Thomas.Matthews ’s Post

Yes! Pro-housing land use reform that removes barriers to creating a walkable city with diverse housing choices. Good model for other cities, but also needs to include incentives for design excellence (how can we both remove barriers and elevate outcomes? At the same time? More thoughts on that soon): This regulatory reform: Legalizes multifamily development citywide, including “missing middle” housing types, to encourage economic diversity and incremental development; Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are legalized citywide; Corner stores are allowed within walking distance of most (89%) of homes; It removes citywide minimum parking requirements (maximum requirements are included); Form-based standards ensure that new development contributes to the city’s historic form; Adaptive reuse of existing buildings is encouraged by removing common barriers such as limited permitted uses and minimum parking requirements; Code metrics are improved: minimum lot sizes are removed and contextual setbacks are introduced; A permitted uses table and reduced number of districts simplify the use of the code; Mandates and incentives for affordable housing are introduced; The 500-year floodplain is adopted as local design flood elevation (DFE); Context-based complete street standards are included; Approvals are streamlined with a new Minor Site Plan process.

Historic preservation is critical to urban development and cultural conservation and offers various economic, social and cultural benefits. These benefits range from economic stimulation through job creation and tourism to fostering community bonds and preserving cultural narratives. In this #IndustryInsight, RDG Architect Scotney Fenton, AIA, explores the benefits of preserving historic structures and delves into the rich history of the Civic Center Historic District, including key RDG projects that helped rejuvenate this iconic area of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. https://loom.ly/11ugpBc

Minneapolis-based Miller Dunwiddie has acquired Bentz Thomspon Rietow, a local design firm known for its work in higher education, parks and libraries.

Historic England published their updated guide this year to repurposing old historic buildings, including a roadmap and key technical considerations for each stage of the development process. As specialists at The Westcombe Group in restoring listed buildings to create beautiful homes and spaces fit for modern day life, we’re pleased to see these skills championed by such an important public body. Their platform ‘Heritage Works for Housing’ is available to view at https://lnkd.in/eTXbTnqF   #HistoricEngland #HistoricBuildings #Development #Housing #Property

Oh dang, Edwin Slipek telling it like it is re: some of the issues holding #downtown City of Richmond, Virginia back. Y'all, it's not about the next big, shiny project. It is about #corridors, filling #vacantbuildings, and addressing the #blight and #disinvestment that currently overwhelms the area. Kudos to the intrepid #smallbusinessowners who are investing, the #developers who are #developing #residential and #commercial spaces, and to the #downtownresidents who add to the #vibrancy of the area.

Eighth week…pursuing my passion for city planning this time by exploring what to do next with my website TheBestTowns.com. When revived, I’d like to add to the rich content already available online. Do you have a favorite resource for information describing why some towns are better than others? I like Livability.com, BestPlaces.net and Niche.com. I think my foundation of personal best-town curation a good start, but I need to bring deeper content including history and interviews with those who make a town better than the others: shop owners, school teachers, safety officers, and maybe a few city planners 😊. I welcome your thoughts! #cityplanning #urbanplanning #architecture #smalltowns #towns #design

🌟 SSRIA member feature Friday!🌟 Building on their initial discussion over the future of the former Royal Alberta Museum, Reimagine Architects are working towards developing an alternative solution to demolition. ⬇️ Read more below from a recent Edify Magazine interview.

Check this out! Have you heard about the rich history related to the Cass County, Michigan Government administration building? If not, brush up on some interesting facts on how this landmark was modernized to meet the growing demands of a local government workforce. #ELITE #PlazaCorp #CassCountyGovernment #ReimaginedSpaces

Louisiana’s Lemann Building began life in 1878 as a department store. Now it’s an early childhood center and residential lofts. Here’s how property revitalization can strengthen a neighborhood: https://lnkd.in/g7H7MReh #FM #FacilityManager #PropertyManagement #RealEstate #Architecture #CRE #BUILDINGS #BuildingsMagazine #BuildingsMedia