History / Preservation

5  Pointz New York City

The Urban Landscape New York City Lost in the 2010s

Over the last decade, many historic buildings and cultural institutions throughout New York City have disappeared. The result has been the transformation of neighborhoods and the city’s character.

December 29, 2019 - Curbed New York

Robert Moses

On Progressive Impotence and an Obsolete Penn Station

In a deep dive into the sad state of the nation's busiest transit hub, Marc J. Dunkelman raises a dispiriting question. In their zeal to ward off future Robert Moseses, have progressives crippled government's power to carry out its job?

December 24, 2019 - Politico

Demolition

Another Record Year for Demolitions in 2019

The headline about Philadelphia demolitions looks pretty similar to one in 2018.

December 22, 2019 - WHYY

Backpacking

Retail Apocalypse Blazes New Trails

The demise of a beloved outdoors gear chain in Southern California suggests that no store is safe in America's high-priced cities.

December 19, 2019 - California Planning & Development Report

Good E Project

Adaptive Reuse Contributes to Ambitious Development Momentum in Dallas' Deep Ellum

With a massive development project called The Epic already under construction as a future home for Uber, a Dallas developer is turning its attention to nearby sites.

December 18, 2019 - The Dallas Morning News

Suburban Neighborhood

Homeownership—American Dream or Nightmare?

Owning a home has long been considered the ultimate aspiration. But social and economic realities mean the stories about and the path to homeownership are not simple and straightforward.

December 13, 2019 - Curbed

Chicago, Illinois

Introducing the National Public Housing Museum

The planned National Public Housing Museum, expected to open in 2021, will draw attention to a highly contested subject and connect to the relevance provided by contemporary anxieties about housing.

December 5, 2019 - CityLab

Skyscrapers and Architects

When Architects Dress Like Buildings

The 1931 Beaux-Arts Ball immortalized the architects who participated by dressed like famous buildings. Will a 2019 version of the event achieve a contemporary version of the same fame?

October 31, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Passive House

What if the Greenest Building Isn't the One Already Standing?

Renovating old buildings instead of demolishing them as the better "green" option is preservation orthodoxy. But what if the decision between renovation and demolition is less than clear-cut?

October 29, 2019 - Treehugger

Victorian Townhomes

New Historic Preservation Fund for Residents Proposed in Philadelphia

Defraying the costs of maintaining a historic home can help more families stay in their homes, according to the logic behind a preservation fund proposed in one of the most historic cities in the country.

October 26, 2019 - WHYY

Basket Building

New Life for the Longaberger Basket as a Luxury Hotel

A completely singular example of adaptive reuse could be delivered a gift basket in Newark, Ohio.

October 25, 2019 - New York Post

MacDougal Street

Gentrification Up Close in N.Y.C.'s West Village

A former resident of the iconic neighborhood reflects on its past, present, and future.

October 24, 2019 - The New York Review of Books

Jewelers Row

Condo Development Starts Construction in Philadelphia's Historic Jewelers Row

The traditional view of Sansom Street will soon vanish into Philadelphia's past, as the Jewelers Row District makes room for the future.

October 18, 2019 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Washington D.C. Row Houses

Controversial Decision Limits Solar Panels on Historic Homes in D.C.

"I realize that we are in crisis politically as well as sustainably. But…"

October 13, 2019 - Greater Greater Washington

Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line

'Destination Crenshaw' Showcases South L.A.'s Strategic Advantage—Black Culture

Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson outlines Destination Crenshaw and highlights the economic development and community investment opportunities it brings to South L.A.

October 9, 2019 - The Planning Report

Philadelphia Waterfront

Iconic Remnants of Failed Tram on the Philly Waterfront to Be Demolished

It's the end of an era that never was.

September 20, 2019 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Diner

Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes

In the aftermath of a battle around preservation of a Denver diner, local officials are considering changes to the city’s historic landmark law.

September 18, 2019 - The Denver Post

Horse and Buggy

Batteries Replacing Horses in the Carriage Industry

A growing number of cities around the world, and around the United States, have banned horse-drawn carriages out of concern for the health and welfare of the horses.

September 14, 2019 - WHYY

Los Angeles, California

Dodger Stadium as Civic Space with a New Front Door

Janet Marie Smith, famous for helping plan Camden Yards in Baltimore, discusses how Dodger Stadium's 'new front door' will optimize transit and pedestrian access while preserving the field's historic character and sweeping 'postcard views.'

September 4, 2019 - The Planning Report

Elfreth's Alley

Philadelphia Planning Commission Approves ADU Bill

The commission recommended a trio of bills focused on historic preservation, including one that would permit accessory dwelling units on historic properties.

August 27, 2019 - PlanPhilly

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.