Street Economics®’s Post

It’s exciting to see Rochester aiming to be the first city in New York to secure a second round of funding through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This program has the potential to bring transformative change, revitalizing key areas like Main and State streets. As someone deeply involved in construction and revitalization projects, I’m looking forward to seeing how this initiative will shape the city’s future and support both historic preservation and new developments. The efforts to tackle vacancy rates and bring in new businesses are a step in the right direction for revitalizing downtown. #RochesterRevitalization #DowntownDevelopment #HistoricPreservation #UrbanRenewal #ConstructionInnovation #NewYorkRevitalization #CommunityGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #RevitalizeDowntown #CityTransformation #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionLeadership #DowntownRochester #HistoricRestoration #BuildingTheFutur

In 1964, California Street in San Francisco was a dynamic blend of old-world charm and the burgeoning energy of a city on the cusp of transformation. The street, lined with Victorian buildings and elegant storefronts, buzzed with the movement of trolleys, buses, and the steady flow of pedestrians. Many of the businesses were still family-owned, offering everything from dry goods to fine dining, while the city’s iconic cable cars rumbled past, carrying both tourists and locals up the steep hills. The air was filled with the sound of streetcars clanging along the tracks, a steady rhythm that had become synonymous with San Francisco's identity. The atmosphere on California Street in 1964 was one of contrast, as the city grappled with its place in the midst of social change. The beatnik culture, which had taken root in the neighborhoods of North Beach, was gradually evolving into the counterculture movement that would define the 1960s. The vibrant energy of the city, with its mix of young revolutionaries, artists, and intellectuals, was palpable. At the same time, the financial district just a few blocks away bustled with businessmen in suits and women in stylish dresses, reflecting the growing divide between San Francisco’s laid-back, progressive culture and the more conservative, capitalist enterprises nearby. By the mid-1960s, California Street was also becoming a hub for new architectural projects, with more modern buildings beginning to rise alongside the city’s iconic older structures. The skyline, while still dominated by the famous steep hills and historic buildings, was starting to change as the postwar economic boom spurred construction. Yet, in the midst of these developments, the essence of San Francisco’s charm—the mixture of the old and the new, the progressive and the traditional—remained a constant. As the world around it changed, California Street stood as both a witness and a participant in the unfolding story of a city at the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

Happy Cities Are Redeveloping into Places for People At this year’s QuadState APA Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I had the opportunity to engage with thought leaders and urban planners from across the region. Dr. Tristan Cleveland, an urban planner and research specialist for Happy Cities, led an insightful discussion on reshaping urban spaces to prioritize people over cars, promoting healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive communities. A key takeaway from the session was that making car-dependent places more people-centered in design doesn’t always work. In fact, most of the time, it doesn’t increase land values or active transportation use, and it can reduce the financial outcomes of affordable housing investments. Even congestion reduction strategies may lower the GDP of the area. So, where should you focus your people-centered development efforts? The answer lies in where market trends are shifting. Retail purchasing patterns have changed, meaning fewer people shop at malls, and office space demand—particularly Class B office space—is declining. If the old development pattern is working, there’s no need to invest in transforming it. Instead, identify underutilized spaces and concentrate your efforts there. The best long-term activation strategy is to play small ball. Here’s how: 1. Activate and fund a dedicated organization to manage redevelopment efforts in the selected area. 2. Sustain the initiative with a consistent yearly budget to ensure long-term growth and stability. 3. Invest small amounts yearly to make gradual improvements. There’s no need to swing for the fences with a big project like a stadium. By taking this approach, communities can thoughtfully transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, people-centered places that reflect the needs of today’s changing market. #UrbanPlanning #PeopleFirst #QuadStateAPA #HappyCities #Fayetteville #SustainableCommunities #UrbanDesign #Infrastructure #ShockeyConsulting #planningmonth American Planning Association April Snay, AICP Grant Mayfield Cara Elbert Jeffrey Williams, AICP Grant L. Happycities

Kansas City is not just another Midwest city anymore. It’s turning into the region’s biggest success story and investors are taking notice. With $2.5 billion in developments reshaping the city, KC is creating opportunities that will expand across the entire Midwest. A year ago, Kansas City’s skyline looked different. The West Bottoms was mostly untapped potential, the riverfront underutilized, and green spaces downtown were few and far between. But that’s all changing. When I started paying attention to the developments happening here, I realized Kansas City wasn’t just growing it was thriving. Projects like the KC Current Riverfront Stadium, South Loop Park, and the revitalization of the West Bottoms are reshaping how the city lives, works, and plays. This isn’t just about buildings, it’s about jobs, better infrastructure, and making Kansas City a place where people want to stay, invest, and build their futures. 🌆KC Current Riverfront Project: The world’s first stadium built for a women’s pro team is anchoring a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood along the river. 🌆West Bottoms Revitalization: $500 million is being invested to blend modern apartments, offices, and retail with historic charm. 🌆South Loop Park: A 5.5-acre green space over I-670 is reconnecting downtown with nature. 🌆Berkley Riverfront Development: A walkable, community-centered neighborhood featuring affordable housing, a retail plaza, and a streetcar extension by 2026. 🌆KC Streetcar Expansion: Extending the streetcar line to UMKC, connecting even more of the city. Kansas City is proving that bold ideas can create real change.

The iconic Flatiron Building in NYC is getting a new lease on life! 🏙️ Jeffrey Gural's recent purchase of this historic landmark is set to transform it from office space to much-needed residential apartments. This move reflects the evolving landscape of urban living and working in the Big Apple. Here's what we know so far: 1. Plans have been submitted to the NYC Department of City Planning 2. The conversion aims to address the city's housing shortage 3. It's a response to the decreasing demand for office space As a real estate professional, I'm excited about this development. It's a prime example of adaptive reuse that could set a precedent for other historic buildings in the city. What do you think about this transformation? • Will it help alleviate NYC's housing crunch? • How might it impact the neighborhood? • Could this inspire similar conversions across the city? Let's discuss the potential ripple effects of this bold move. After all, change is the only constant in New York real estate! #NYCRealEstate #AdaptiveReuse #UrbanDevelopment #FlatironBuilding #TheAceTeam #RealBrokerLLC

As someone passionate about urban planning and design, I find these large-scale projects inspiring because they show how thoughtful design can transform urban spaces to meet community needs and future challenges. What are your thoughts on the future of Toronto’s urban development? 🚧🌍 #UrbanDevelopment #Toronto #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities #CloverdaleTransformation

Location, location, location. All eyes on Mission Valley in San Diego in 2025! Mission Valley in San Diego is undergoing significant transformation, with several large mixed-use developments completed and planned along the existing trolley lines that connect to Downtown and UTC. This includes: Riverwalk San Diego: A 200-acre transit-oriented development on the former Riverwalk Golf Club with 4,300 residential units, retail and office, and parks. The Valley (formerly Westfield Mission Valley): Redevelopment of the Westfield Mission Valley shopping center with 650 residential units. Fashion Valley Mall: Redevelopment of the Fashion Valley mall with 850 apartment units and 100,000 SF of new retail/dining space. SDSU Mission Valley: A 166-acre $3.5 billion mixed-use development by SDSU. It includes the completed Snapdragon Stadium, 4,600 housing units, and office, research, retail, and campus facilities, with 80 acres of park space. Civita: Ongoing development of a 230-acre master planned community on a former quarry site. Add in numerous smaller infill proposals, new retail, dining, infrastructure, and park developments, and Mission Valley continues its evolution into a vibrant, urban hub that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Sudberry Properties, Inc. Hines Brookfield Properties San Diego State University Simon Property Group Lowe Holland Partner Group #sandiego #missionvalley #mixeduse #redevelopment #housing #refresh #revitalization #transitoriented

Penn Plaza, once called one of New York City's dingiest neighborhoods, has been transformed into The Penn District, a vibrant tech hub. Spearheaded by Vornado Realty Trust, which owns 10 million square feet in the area, the $65 million makeover has attracted tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Apple. Vornado's redevelopment includes upgraded buildings, new retail options, and the creation of Plaza 33—a pedestrian-friendly oasis. This transformation highlights the potential for real estate developers to revitalize urban landscapes and create thriving, community-focused spaces. Read more about this remarkable transformation and Vornado's visionary efforts in the full article - https://lnkd.in/eZufHpyz Vornado Realty Trust, Bridget Cunningham, Matthew McAvoy #UrbanDevelopment #BOMANY #CommercialRealEstate #Vornado #PennDistrict #NYC

A Key element of reviving Railway Exchange will be rekindling some nostalgic magic and experiences of Famous Barr (and other lost St. Louis Brands). Bring back the holiday window displays and lunchtime experience: https://lnkd.in/gUNRvtKN. Use the middle floors as subsidized workforce housing for city/civic employees. Activate the upper floors with natural light for subsidized artist lofts/residences for fellowships that could be granted by organizations like the STL Fashion Fund, T-Rex, and others. Don't forget the retail space and bargain basement which could be used to for Made in St. Louis boutique incubators. Develop the Orpheum theatre and treat that two block area towards WashAve as #downtownSTL's theatre, convention, and cultural district. Add on top the benefit of the 7th street corridor developments that are currently underway! If well executed all of these ideas could create activation and entrepreneurship opportunities, foot traffic, and sustainable density to an otherwise difficult area of downtown. #economicdevelopment #downtownstl #innovation #housing #Sustainabledevelopment #Economicpolicy #cityofstlouis #urbanplanning #incomeinequality #urbandevelopment #Stlmade #wealth #growth #branding #stlouiscounty #Economicgrowth https://lnkd.in/gdzUVNSp

A worthwhile read about our 1901 Project in Sports Business Journal, highlighting the ambitious vision for green space and how the entire project team came together to bring it to life. "RIOS, the 1901 Project’s master planning architect, suggested the park question solution: Elevation. Ten of the development’s 25 acres of green space will be draped atop ground-level buildings housing retail, restaurants and entertainment. In two spots, the parks descend off the ground, rising at a gentle slope that is scalable by people of all abilities, eventually reaching 20 feet high. And thus, said Annie Cazares, United Center vice president of development and strategy, 'In the same square footage, you can get a dollar today and a dollar tomorrow.'"