It's time to thank the man who built what many will remember as turn-of-the-century Philadelphia.
"WITH THE OPENING of the Sid, it's time to thank the man who built what our grandchildren will remember in their old age as turn-of-the-century Philadelphia. The upcoming governor's race will debate whether a mayor was the coach or the cheerleader behind Center City's recent landmarks. But there can be little doubt that Willard Rouse was the quarterback who actually put the ball over the goal line in every case. Three projects have risen to landmark status since 1980: Liberty Place, the Convention Center and the Kimmel Center. Each of these projects was a unique challenge -- and I was doubtful about each at the outset. But that is what developers do: build right past the doubts to change what is real. They put facts on the ground, literally."
Thanks to Mark Alan Hughes
FULL STORY: Willard Rouse, Master Builder

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.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground
Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program
The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.
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