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
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
‘Facadism:’ Historical Preservation, Fakery—or a Little of Both?
Developers in cities like Oakland, California are turning to vintage architectural elements to inform building renovations, but this repackaging is far from traditional preservation work.
Chicago Sears Redevelopment To Include Medical Facility, Housing
Developers have announced details about the long-awaited renaissance of a shuttered West Side Sears store.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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