Retail

Dealing with urban retail

Protecting small businesses from suburban redevelopment

A county executive in Maryland says he doesn't want redevelopment to hurt small businesses as it did in Silver Spring.

Temporary bulb-out

This Better Block temporary arrangement of potted plants in South Dallas helped alert people to the benefits of narrowing the pavement and making the roadways more accommodating to pedestrians.

Source: The Better Block

'Better Block': upgrading streets quickly and cheaply

With borrowed materials, volunteer labor, and little money, a group embarks on temporary but stimulating urban improvements.

The cost of auto orientation

At its nastiest and most decrepit, the old and blighted traditional commercial block still outperforms the new, auto-oriented development by 41 percent.

Live smaller, work closer, shed excess

ULI's forecast of the next few years envisions a combination of scarcity and density that could should be good news for well-ordered urban places.

Posted by Philip Langdon on 27 Dec 2011

Washington area mall to become 'town center'

As metro DC turns toward denser, mixed-use development, the Laurel Mall in Prince George's County faces demolition.

When downtown becomes a place to live

As condos multiply in downtown Washington, the city government finds it has to pay more attention to what residents think.

Have yourself a dreary little Christmas

Something bad has happened to Britain's high streets, Edwin Heathcote laments. The pleasure has largely melted away.

Main Streets up, malls down

Development of new malls has almost completely stopped — while owners of enclosed malls are considering dramatic makeovers as town centers, the Post reports.

Big-box input from community associations?

Montgomery County, Maryland, is considering requiring big-box retailers to negotiate with civic organizations before opening a store.