After several failed attempts at urban renewal in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, government officials and investors believe that the latest efforts aimed at reincarnation of the city's core will succeed.
"The empty downtown of this worn-out city has seen noble efforts at revitalization fail before, but $1 billion in new investment may finally put to rest its reputation as a place resistant to change.
A closed mall will be torn down and replaced with shops, condominiums, and restaurants. A new hotel is under construction nearby, and an old one has been renovated. Other derelict properties have been snatched up by developers, and an old auto dealership, roller rink, and former triple-X movie theater are all candidates for redevelopment.
'We'll get downtown right,' City Manager Michael O'Brien said. 'This will be the final reincarnation.'"
FULL STORY: Worcester's $1 billion bet
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
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.
Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.
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.
Idaho Data: Unexpected Vehicle Repairs Exacerbate Housing Instability, Eviction Risk
Over 21 percent of clients struggle with transportation barriers.
A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing
The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.
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
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland