Once slated for demolition, two historic buildings owned by the federal government will be restored for new uses.

Two federally owned downtown Chicago skyscrapers will see new life after being threatened with demolition, reports Nick Blumberg for WTTV.
According to Blumberg, “The Century, 202 S. State St., and Consumers Buildings, 220 S. State St. – which date to 1916 and 1913, respectively – have been empty since they were purchased by the government in 2005 through the use of eminent domain.”
The buildings represent a key architectural period in the city’s history. An environmental impact statement from the General Services Administration calls for adaptive reuse of the buildings. “The decision was met with cheers by preservationists, who have been highly critical both of the feds’ plan to raze the buildings and by the decades of deferred maintenance that has allowed the buildings to fall into disrepair.”
FULL STORY: Historic Chicago Skyscrapers Once Facing Demolition Set for Preservation, Reuse Under Federal Plan

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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