From forgotten buildings to thriving neighborhoods, adaptive reuse has the power to transform our cities.

In a piece in PlaceShakers, Susan Henderson explores the transformative potential of adaptive reuse, using real-world examples like Philips Square in Winnipeg, MassMOCA, and Redlands Mall. It also provides actionable policy recommendations on zoning reform and funding strategies.
Henderson explores how spaces like Winnipeg’s Philips Square — a historic church now home to six apartments and a cultural hub — bring life back to communities. "Across the United States and Canada, cities are grappling with housing shortages and the challenge of revitalizing underutilized spaces. Vacant malls, abandoned factories, shuttered schools, and empty churches often sit idle, wasting valuable potential. But these structures don’t have to remain relics of the past. Through adaptive reuse, we can transform them into much-needed housing and thriving economic hubs."
Curious to learn how adaptive reuse can work in your city? Henderson has a few ideas to solve housing shortages, preserve historic architecture, and boost local economies.
FULL STORY: Old Walls, New Homes

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms
The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service