From Housing Project To New Urbanist Development

The Philadelphia Inquirer follows the story of a seven-year, $91 million effort to revitalize the city's most notorious housing project.

1 minute read

April 21, 2003, 8:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The demolition was the final step in a seven-year, $91 million effort that renovated some buildings, bulldozed others, and replaced a dense project of 1,324 apartments with a neighborhood-style development for just 408 households - many of them in traditional houses.The new Richard Allen and the other pieces of public housing across the city that are being redeveloped in the same 'new urbanist' style represent a gamble. The bet is that if public housing tenants get nicer homes with more neighborhood-friendly designs, then crime, blight and misery will decline."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Sunday, April 20, 2003 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

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.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

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.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

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.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Sign for Palisades Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California.

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.

3 hours ago - Los Angeles Mayor

Aerial view of oil field in California with pumpjacks at sunset.

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.

4 hours ago - The Othering & Belonging Institute

"Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign with mottled shade from palm tree.

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.

5 hours ago - KTNV