How can real estate developers and investors make substantial positive change in the places in which they build? It’s a vexing question that luckily has numerous answers. You just need to know where to look. Be direct and honest Let's face it, you're not going to be able to please all the people all the time. As an individual investor or developer, your project's scope … [Read more...] about Striving for impact.
The balancing act.
Modern community development is a balancing act For most of the history of urban development, community input was rare. Top down design and planning prescriptions, like those of “urban renewal” were how communities were made. These days, planners and developers need to be far more agile and responsive to create communities. Working in tandem with the local community is an … [Read more...] about The balancing act.
The zoning whisperer.
Eric Kronberg is a zoning whisperer. He specializes in examining and demystifying zoning ordinances to find ways to make great projects possible and help others navigate through the zoning swamp. Kronberg Urbanists + Architects projects have a lovely, authentic, grounded feel to them. You can imagine yourself inhabiting them. Nothing super slick. All of … [Read more...] about The zoning whisperer.
Taking the best path forward.
Nowadays, you can't throw a stone without hitting a "socially conscious" or "socially responsible" residential development project. Let's assume for a second that most of the firms involved in these projects are genuinely interested in making a difference while making a profit. The question remains: why aren't we seeing a substantive change in the amount and type of … [Read more...] about Taking the best path forward.
Can Opportunity Zones provide opportunity?
Since the first New Deal housing policies emerged in the 1930s, governments from the municipal level all the way up to the federal government have sought ways to help alleviate the lack of affordable in this country. While there have been many successes, there have also been notable missteps. Infamous projects like Queensbridge in New York City and Cabrini Green in Chicago … [Read more...] about Can Opportunity Zones provide opportunity?