Philadelphia is still trying to figure out where to put its two approved casinos as it prepares to become the nation's biggest city to host gambling. In this piece, Inga Saffron says a new proposed site could make gambling work for Philly.
"After years of hearing Rendell insist that, like it or not, two boxy slots parlors would be built on the city's majestic Delaware River, it was refreshing to have him concede yesterday that he is exploring other sites for the Foxwoods casino, the more intrusive of the halls. The leading option, at the west end of Market Street's Gallery mall, has real possibilities and should not be immediately dismissed."
"The proposed relocation of Foxwoods offers a precious second chance to get gambling right in Philadelphia. It should be the starting point for a vigorous public discussion about what form an urban casino should take."
"As the largest city in America to host gambling, Philadelphia deserves a casino tailored to its economic and planning goals - and not merely a cash cow for the state. This is the state's gambling flagship, and the casino design should reflect that."
FULL STORY: Gallery casino is city's second chance
America's Largest Cities Gamble on Casino-led Growth
An expanding number of cities across the U.S. are looking to attract urban casinos, with the hope that further development and money (tax revenues to fill drained city coffers) will follow.
Big Box Casino On Its Way To Philadelphia
The new casino rising along Philadelphia's Delaware River is likely to be little more than a drab Big Box with gambling inside, according to this review from Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron.
Revealed: $2.2 Billion Redevelopment Plan for Philadelphia's Waterfront
The city of Philadelphia has a new, highly anticipated plan for a valuable site on the Delaware River waterfront.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research