History / Preservation

Passive House

What if the Greenest Building Isn't the One Already Standing?

Renovating old buildings instead of demolishing them as the better "green" option is preservation orthodoxy. But what if the decision between renovation and demolition is less than clear-cut?

October 29, 2019 - Treehugger

Victorian Townhomes

New Historic Preservation Fund for Residents Proposed in Philadelphia

Defraying the costs of maintaining a historic home can help more families stay in their homes, according to the logic behind a preservation fund proposed in one of the most historic cities in the country.

October 26, 2019 - WHYY

Basket Building

New Life for the Longaberger Basket as a Luxury Hotel

A completely singular example of adaptive reuse could be delivered a gift basket in Newark, Ohio.

October 25, 2019 - New York Post

MacDougal Street

Gentrification Up Close in N.Y.C.'s West Village

A former resident of the iconic neighborhood reflects on its past, present, and future.

October 24, 2019 - The New York Review of Books

Jewelers Row

Condo Development Starts Construction in Philadelphia's Historic Jewelers Row

The traditional view of Sansom Street will soon vanish into Philadelphia's past, as the Jewelers Row District makes room for the future.

October 18, 2019 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Washington D.C. Row Houses

Controversial Decision Limits Solar Panels on Historic Homes in D.C.

"I realize that we are in crisis politically as well as sustainably. But…"

October 13, 2019 - Greater Greater Washington

Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line

'Destination Crenshaw' Showcases South L.A.'s Strategic Advantage—Black Culture

Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson outlines Destination Crenshaw and highlights the economic development and community investment opportunities it brings to South L.A.

October 9, 2019 - The Planning Report

Philadelphia Waterfront

Iconic Remnants of Failed Tram on the Philly Waterfront to Be Demolished

It's the end of an era that never was.

September 20, 2019 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Diner

Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes

In the aftermath of a battle around preservation of a Denver diner, local officials are considering changes to the city’s historic landmark law.

September 18, 2019 - The Denver Post

Horse and Buggy

Batteries Replacing Horses in the Carriage Industry

A growing number of cities around the world, and around the United States, have banned horse-drawn carriages out of concern for the health and welfare of the horses.

September 14, 2019 - WHYY

Los Angeles, California

Dodger Stadium as Civic Space with a New Front Door

Janet Marie Smith, famous for helping plan Camden Yards in Baltimore, discusses how Dodger Stadium's 'new front door' will optimize transit and pedestrian access while preserving the field's historic character and sweeping 'postcard views.'

September 4, 2019 - The Planning Report

Elfreth's Alley

Philadelphia Planning Commission Approves ADU Bill

The commission recommended a trio of bills focused on historic preservation, including one that would permit accessory dwelling units on historic properties.

August 27, 2019 - PlanPhilly

Electric Scooters

Historic Preservation—A Reason to Nix Scooters?

Scooter opponents in Alexandria, Virginia, claim the devices threaten the historic character of the city, but supporters say the argument is nonsense.

August 21, 2019 - Greater Greater Washington

Alamo Square

'The Last Black Man in San Francisco' Pays Homage to the City’s People and Places

The film captures a gentrifying San Francisco by incorporating many subtle details about the city's past and present.

August 9, 2019 - San Francisco Examiner

Rome, Italy

Denied: No Sitting on Rome's Spanish Steps

Rome's Spanish Steps are no longer a place for sitting.

August 9, 2019 - Associated Press

New York City Construction

The 'Building Boom' Myth

Contrary to popular myth, New York is not drowning in new housing.

July 31, 2019 - Michael Lewyn

Strand Bookstore

Gentrification Enters Preservation Debate Surrounding NYC's Strand Bookstore

The Renaissance Revival building that houses New York City's beloved Strand Bookstore is under consideration by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission. The case has provoked debate between rival advocates.

July 19, 2019 - Pacific Standard

Georgetown Canal

Does the Plan to Revitalize a D.C. Canal Too Much Resemble the High Line?

Controversy over a plan to revitalize the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal in Washington, D.C. has some questioning whether the High Line in New York City is the best model for the adaptive reuse of public space.

July 18, 2019 - Greater Greater Washington

Administration building at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, on opening day, May 1, 1893

Exhibition Shows the Swagger and the Social Conscience of a Previous Era of Planning

It's rare for an entire exhibition to be devoted to the practice and history of planning. This is a big one.

July 9, 2019 - CityLab

Frank Lloyd Wright

8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Named World Heritage Sites

Eight buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are the first works of U.S. modern architecture to be named UNESCO World heritage sites.

July 8, 2019 - Chicago Tribune

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.