San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones’ Post

REVISED MASTERPLAN FOR BRABAZON APPROVED The most exciting new city district in the south west has taken a major step forward as South Gloucestershire Council has passed a resolution to grant planning approval for the revised masterplan for Brabazon, the thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol being built by YTL Developments on the historic former Filton Airfield. As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years of aviation history, the former Filton Airfield is known worldwide for a community that changed the world. Under the plans, Brabazon will become a new urban destination that lives up to that legacy. This pioneering new place aims to provide every generation with the space, connectivity and opportunity to continue to shape the future from South Gloucestershire and North Bristol. Subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement, Brabazon is now forecast to create over £5 billion of added economic value for the local area. The approved plans should see Brabazon grow to include: - Up to 6,500 new homes of every type and tenure and for every generation, including over 1,700 affordable houses and apartments. - Up to 3 million sq ft of commercial space - enough to support 30,000 jobs – a creating a business address like no other at the heart of North Bristol’s world-leading commercial cluster - Three new schools and plans for a higher education or research campus, creating a centre of learning. - Independent stores, cafes and restaurants as well as over 86 acres of public space, including Brabazon Park: the largest new public park in the south west for 50 years. - Over £100m of investment in the local transport network. Crucially, the plans – developed by a consortium of world-renowned architects, including Bath-based architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios – allow for regular reviews so that development is phased alongside improved transport links. Click the link to find out more: https://ow.ly/8C8S50QJpIh #YTLDevelopments #planningapproval #affordablehousing #propertydevelopment #housingmarket #newhomes

Buildings can’t speak for themselves. (Yep, you knew that already!) So it’s rare (and special) when a building can “speak” via the Architect that shaped it. I had that opportunity on a walking tour of 4 incredible housing projects in Fitzroy designed by KTA over the years, led by the inimitable kerstin thompson herself. Kerstin generously, and with refreshing honesty, shared the successes and challenges of each project. We were also lucky to hear from Associate Principal Lynn Chew about key behind-the-scenes moments. What shone through resoundingly for me is how centered *people* were in both their stories. Clients, current & future residents, builders, neighbours, and even those who had previously lived / worked in the area. A powerful reminder that all housing is, ultimately, a container for lives. Next time you find yourself on a street corner and look up to find housing - try to avoid dwelling on just the height, materials or “style”. Don’t get bogged down by the nitty-gritty. Zoom out. It’s the big picture that matters most. 🔍Think about the neighbourhood it’s in. 🔍The layers of history that corner had / has. 🔍About the lives of those who live there. 🔍If it fosters community and/or an ecosystem. Let that guide how the building “speaks” to you. 🎦 Video below of KTA’s Kerr St residences from the Walking Tour in Fitzroy on Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country. #lookup #mediumdensity #housing #thebigpicture #openhousemelbourne2024

Welcome to the West Bridgford, Nottingham Neighborhood Assessment Review! 🏡 Are you curious about the vibrant community of West Bridgford and its unique character within the city of Nottingham? Look no further! Our review provides a comprehensive insight into this charming neighborhood and the organization of the city. Overview: Situated just south of Nottingham's city center, West Bridgford offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Known for its leafy streets, picturesque parks, and bustling town center, this neighborhood attracts residents and visitors alike with its rich amenities and community spirit. Key Features: Residential Appeal: Discover the diverse housing options available in West Bridgford, from Victorian terraces to modern apartments and family homes. Explore the distinct architectural styles that contribute to the neighborhood's character and charm. Green Spaces: Immerse yourself in the beauty of West Bridgford's green spaces, including the iconic Victoria Embankment Park and the serene Rushcliffe Country Park. These lush oases offer residents opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. Retail and Dining: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of West Bridgford's town center, bustling with independent shops, cozy cafes, and acclaimed restaurants. From artisanal boutiques to gourmet eateries, there's something to satisfy every taste and interest. Community Engagement: Learn about the active community organizations and events that contribute to the strong sense of belonging in West Bridgford. From neighborhood clean-up initiatives to local festivals and markets, residents come together to celebrate and support their community. Organizational Insights: Our review also provides valuable insights into the organization of Nottingham city, highlighting its diverse neighborhoods, transportation infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Gain a deeper understanding of the city's history, development, and future prospects. Join the Conversation: Whether you're a resident, prospective homeowner, or urban enthusiast, the West Bridgford, Nottingham Neighborhood Assessment Review offers valuable insights and perspectives on this dynamic community. Join the conversation, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and discover the endless possibilities that await in West Bridgford and beyond! #WestBridgford #Nottingham #NeighborhoodReview #CommunityEngagement #UrbanLiving #sustainableurbandevelopment #architecture #architect #urbandesigner #architecturaldesign #architecturalinnovation #arb #archilovers #architecturejobs #architecturestudent #architecturevisualization #architecturalexcellence

The Boston Planning and Development Agency’s board has approved Boston University’s real estate plan for its Charles River campus through 2026. Key renovations will improve Warren Towers, the university's main dormitory, with upgrades to bathrooms, HVAC systems, and the building’s exterior. Additionally, the board greenlit a lab complex on Wentworth Institute of Technology property, two office-to-housing conversions, and a 236-unit apartment building in South Boston. This approval is part of BU’s institutional master plan, which typically spans ten years; however, the university opted for a shorter version to allow incoming President Mellisa Gilliam to shape her vision. The Planning Department, established by Mayor Wu in 2024, aims to prioritize development that addresses Boston’s needs for resilience, affordability, and equity while ensuring transparent community engagement and effective use of public real estate. Read more: https://ow.ly/2NNi50Ttaz7 #bostonuniversity #universitymasterplan #bostoncre #studenthousingdevelopment #offcampushousing #oncampushousing

INSIGHT: LID OVER IDL DOWNTOWN These thoughts are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than me. Downtown Tulsa is surrounded by the Inter-Dispersal Loop (IDL). Fortunately, the IDL has many streets crossing it. But freeways can be perceived as barriers particularly by people traveling on foot or by bicycle. The freeway on the south side of the IDL is “below grade” and has multiple route designations, including I-444, US-64, US-75 and SR-51. It is an important part of the highway system and likely won’t be relocated or removed during our lifetimes. In 2020, freeway “lids” around the country cost about $500 per square foot. These lids above the freeway are then reclaimed space that can be used as new park or civic spaces. This can literally stitch together the 2 sides of a freeway linking one side to the other. In this case, the freeway is likely less than 120 feet across. The section that could have a lid placed on it is probably between 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile long which is 1,320 feet to 2,640 feet. Perhaps somewhere between Denver Ave and Cincinnati Ave. Thus at $500 per square foot, a South Side Lid over the IDL might cost between $80 M and $160 M. With inflation, perhaps $100 M to $200 M. But, it’s not just the price to build that should be considered. With hundreds of acres of new park space created, a project like this could significantly increase property values both downtown and in the neighborhoods to the south of downtown. This could in tern induce construction of high rise condos or apartments adding literally thousands of residential units and maybe then even bring a much needed grocery store to downtown. We already have something similar to a freeway lid at The Gathering Place with the 2 “lids” over Riverside Drive. Who doesn’t LOVE the Gathering Place? A project like this could be just as beloved. Below is a photo looking north along Boulder Ave (on right) and toward Cheyenne Ave (on the left). You can get a sense of how far below grade the freeway is. The sign on the Cheyenne Ave bridge indicates a vertical clearance of 16 feet 6 inches. A lid just for the one block pictured below might cost $50M.

Exciting Development in Wynwood: Bazbaz Proposes Landmark 48-Story Project. Bazbaz Development is set to redefine the skyline of Wynwood with a groundbreaking proposal for a 48-story apartment tower, marking the tallest project ever envisioned for this vibrant Miami neighborhood. Leveraging the opportunities presented by the Live Local Act, this ambitious project will significantly elevate Wynwood's residential landscape. Project Highlights: Location: The development will occupy a 1.5-acre site at 2110, 2118, and 2134 North Miami Avenue, and 2101, 2129, and 2135 Northwest Miami Court. Scale: The 755,700-square-foot project will feature 544 units, offering modern living spaces in a dynamic area. Parking: The plan includes 321 on-site parking spaces, with an additional eight off-site spaces. Community Impact: At least 40% of the units will be designated for households earning no more than 120% of the area median income, ensuring affordable housing options. The Live Local Act allows developers to exceed local zoning limitations in exchange for providing affordable housing. Under this legislation, Bazbaz Development's proposal, which stands at 48 stories, could have been as tall as 60 stories but already surpasses Wynwood's current 12-story height restriction. Previous Plans and Acquisition: The current proposal is a significant departure from Bazbaz Development's initial plan, which featured an eight-story and a 12-story building with a total of 339 apartments. Bazbaz acquired the development site in 2022 for $12 million, highlighting their commitment to transforming the area. Broader Impact: The Live Local Act has sparked numerous development proposals across South Florida, aiming to address housing affordability while encouraging urban growth. Other notable projects include Moderno Development Group's 27-story 500 Art Lofts in Fort Lauderdale and Whitman Family Development's mixed-use project in Bal Harbour, which has generated considerable community discussion. As this proposal moves forward, it promises to bring new energy and opportunities to Wynwood, enhancing its reputation as one of Miami's most dynamic and evolving neighborhoods. Stay tuned for updates as Bazbaz Development's visionary project progresses. #WynwoodMiami #BazbazDevelopment #MiamiRealEstate #LiveLocalAct #MiamiSkyline #AffordableHousing #UrbanDevelopment #LuxuryLiving #MiamiApartments #RealEstateNews #CityGrowth #CommunityImpact #FutureOfWynwood

The project is part of Parkside of Old Town Phase III - Urbanize Chicago

Scarborough’s Golden Mile is set to experience a transformative redevelopment, shifting from a traditional retail-dominated area to a dynamic, mixed-use neighborhood. This extensive project plans to introduce over 35,000 new homes and more than a million square feet of commercial and office spaces, all located near the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The blueprint for the area envisions a mix of mid and high-rise structures designed to house over 45,000 residents. Leading the change is the renovation of the renowned Golden Mile Plaza, poised to become a lively center featuring more than 3,500 homes and a generous amount of commercial and office areas within towering structures of up to 48 stories. The redevelopment aims to foster a vibrant, well-connected community, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly environments. The initiative includes crafting new public roads and adding over 6,000 square meters of parks, integrating greenery into the cityscape. In redefining the Golden Mile, the goal is not merely to construct buildings but to establish a new urban core for Scarborough that will ignite economic and social dynamism. This represents a unique chance to mold the future of one of Toronto’s renowned neighborhoods. #scarborough #development #goldenmile #growth #toronto #eglinton #eclrt #lrt #urbandesign #transit #plannning #urbanplanning

Just south of Ventura Boulevard

Love this concept of temporary buildings - to keep the social heart of the city alive during redevelopment - that can be "disassembled, relocated and reassembled multiple times, without compromising structural integrity." -Arup "Ebury Edge comprises temporary affordable workspaces, a café, and a community center to provide a continuous place for residents old and new to meet as the Ebury Bridge Estate is re-developed phase by phase... the City Council first established a right of return for all residents before developing proposals for the redevelopment of the estate. Unusually, Westminster is committed to the delivery of new community facilities in advance of the principal scheme." -ArchDaily "All spaces are let on a fair rent policy, on flexible terms and with no upfront deposits. Combined with a people-focused approach, this policy creates varying positive impacts from business growth, job creation and increased footfall to business venues, for both shopping and leisure." -Edbury Edge "To give even greater flexibility for future uses, the double-height workspaces are designed to either be relocated together or offered as individual units." -Arup Arup: https://lnkd.in/gPe-tgNY ArchDaily: Below Edbury Edge: https://lnkd.in/g7nSzung #temporaryarchitecture