The long-dormant downtown in this central Texas city is poised for revitalization designed to take advantage of nearby Baylor University and other assets. New Urbanist designs are generating hope and excitement.
"The look and feel of downtown Waco will change dramatically in coming years, thanks to a Houston company's proposed $50 million development and the groundbreaking in December for a $2.5 million Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce headquarters."
"New urbanism, said Waco city planner Bill Falco, involves placing buildings close to property lines and having windows and doors that open onto sidewalks, creating more interaction between people inside and those walking by. 'It creates a sense of community in an area, and it is very pedestrian friendly,' said Falco. 'You don't cross a parking lot or a big green space to get into a building, you walk right into it.'"
"Officials hope the new chamber building provides the centerpiece for a downtown renaissance. Its presence and the plans by Stonehenge Development will transform a decades-old sea of asphalt bounded by Washington, Austin and Franklin avenues and Third and Fourth streets into a mix of loft apartments, retail stores, office space and the city's symbol of business activity."
FULL STORY: New urbanism promises to transform downtown Waco
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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.
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