News
February 16, 2010
To Develop or Not to Develop...
It’s not easy developing (or-redeveloping) a neighborhood. Residents have their own strong and diverse opinions about what they need. Decisions have to be made on what to keep and what to rebuild. Thankfully, we all seem to paying more attention to the environmental impact of what we do. And ultimately, the project has to be economically viable. So let’s look at some stories from a cross the country…and right here at home…about how architects and communities are working together to make their neighborhoods better places to be.
First, news from the homefront. Everyone anticipates that the Calatrava-designed Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge across the Trinity River will bring a needed jolt to West Dallas neighborhoods. Here’s The Dallas Morning News’ story on how the newly-created Dallas CityDesign Studio, helmed by AIA Dallas member Brent Brown, is already in the mix.
Still on our turf…you know the parking lots behind Dallas’ City Hall? Did you know that the Central Dallas Community Development Corporation has big/green plans for the site? Architectural Record has the story.
We mentioned Sr. Calatrava in the item above. His planned Chicago Spire is the subject of this news item. It seems that the economy has turned sour enough that the only thing the Windy City has to show for the project is a big hole. The Chicago Architectural Club has asked the question “What can we do with it?” It’s an interesting development quandary. Here’s Blair Kamin’s coverage.
And here are a couple of stories on a novel approach that some West Coasters have taken to prevent developers from altering an iconic postcard view we’re all familiar with. The New York Times has some background, and Fast Company has some great pics as well.