When wealthier individuals and organizations move into an urban neighborhood, both the rental and property values as well as the culture and character of the community can change. This process is known as gentrification. While this shift can do good and often results in the revitalization of struggling areas, it can also leave many people in the existing community priced out of … [Read more...] about Maintaining a place for the community.
Community
First in. Towards growth.
Lance Chimka, who became Director of Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) in 2018, oversees an agency responsible for business expansion, planning, community and real estate development, and affordable housing projects for the second most populous county in Pennsylvania. Born and bred in Pittsburgh, Lance has long been familiar with the changes the region has … [Read more...] about First in. Towards growth.
Public space. The heart of the city.
There are numerous factors that city planners, politicians, developers and designers consider when planning cities; from infrastructure to transit to the creation of residential, commercial and retail space, all to draw new businesses and residents. But often the last thing to be considered, and yet perhaps the most critical component in any city neighborhood, is public space. … [Read more...] about Public space. The heart of the city.
A bold experiment in coal country.
Brandon Dennison founded Coalfield Development in 2011 to offer a unique workforce approach focused on transforming communities - a bold experiment in tackling the generational poverty West Virginia has long wrestled with. This experiment grew out of his early memories while growing up in a comfortable middle-class family in West Virginia. Others were not so fortunate. West … [Read more...] about A bold experiment in coal country.
Back to wood construction.
As the creation of affordable and sustainable housing becomes increasingly urgent, focus has shifted to innovative ways to meet these goals. I found one such example in Amsterdam where Marc Koehler and his design team develop creative solutions for urban living through their Superlofts Project. Broadly speaking, a Superlofts project starts with the bare structural frame of the … [Read more...] about Back to wood construction.