Image Credit: Flickr user Luca Penati Are we still building our retail outlets for a bygone era? One where everyone piles up big at Walmart on a regular basis? Where gas makes going long distances just to shop at regional centers easy as pie? Where houses are unlimited equity lines of credit? Where people have… Continue reading Smaller Retail for a Smaller Buying and Consuming Era
Year: 2011
It Comes Down To Words-Thoughts After Another Atlanta Trip
This sign has no words, but I think it symbolizes community. Credit: Flickr user The Waving Cat I had the pleasure this week of going to Atlanta for work training. I had the opportunity to fly out of my home airport (Piedmont Triad International), ride the MARTA to and from the airport and hotel and… Continue reading It Comes Down To Words-Thoughts After Another Atlanta Trip
Live from CityWorks(X)po
Well, I’ve been home in Greensboro for a few hours now and really, just marinating on what I learned. From the power of seeing Nikki Giovanni in the flesh and feeling a kindred spirit. Also, getting the question answered on how she drives inspiration from being in a place like the Roanoke Valley. From watching… Continue reading Live from CityWorks(X)po
The American Expat, In America
Like this luggage, sometimes I linger in the sunset at the crossroads of whether or not it’s worth picking up the baggage and moving on. (Credit: Flickr user: C.M. Keiner) Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my post graduate school place of residence. There are days that I would like to spend that time… Continue reading The American Expat, In America
Are We Missing Major Place-Making Opportunities With Our Airports?
Yes, this looks cool, but I think I’ve seen this airport before…(Image Credit Flickr user: Evil Jess Floating through airports over the summer, I have noticed how remarkably similar they are. I would think an international building with the ability to showcase the local culture would in fact be that showcase. Instead, I’m seeing the… Continue reading Are We Missing Major Place-Making Opportunities With Our Airports?
Four Ways Old Malls and Strip Centers Are Coming Back to Life
Yes, I know North Hills Raleigh is a great retrofit of an old mall. But it’s still mostly retail. Read below and find out more about other rebirth options. (Image credit: Flickr user radellaf). I know in my last post I came down pretty hard on the lifestyle center trend. However, living up the street… Continue reading Four Ways Old Malls and Strip Centers Are Coming Back to Life
Shopping Malls and Strip Centers Are Not Dead Yet
Image Credit: flickr user steven.y As much as we hate them, I still do believe there is life in our traditional enclosed shopping malls and strip shopping centers. When these facilities opened, they were bright, shiny, air-conditioned and convenient. Supermarkets offered everything imaginable under one roof. Some even had lounges for spouses and kids, so… Continue reading Shopping Malls and Strip Centers Are Not Dead Yet
Five Ways You Can Be a Grassroots Planner
I know many of my readers are like myself. They can’t draw buildings or maps. However, they may have the time and money to go out and organize the community. The passion for the city is still there, but in a different way. So how can these people contribute to urban planning? Here are five… Continue reading Five Ways You Can Be a Grassroots Planner
How I Find Meaning as The Black Urbanist
It really did all start with a map. I’ve told my story before, but I wanted to revisit it again this week as we will be talking about grassroots planning. This week also marks the launch of my new weekly e-newsletter, the Blackurbanpaper. Be sure to use the purple box on the top right to… Continue reading How I Find Meaning as The Black Urbanist
The Thursday List: 5 Ways to Bring Schools and the Community Together
This week I’m adding something new to the blog, a more in-depth, quick facts way to start applying principles I discuss on the blog directly back into the community. This week’s theme was education, so I’m revisiting steps we need to bridge the gap between our schools and the community. Here are five of those… Continue reading The Thursday List: 5 Ways to Bring Schools and the Community Together