Making town centers work for businesses and people

New Urban News Article with images, 9/1/2008

Some new urbanists are embracing the techniques of a people-oriented firm called Live Work Learn Play.

Why do some new urban town centers fail to thrive?

Is it because they’re not designed with the right sizes of shops in the right locations? Is it because the streets are too straight and not sociable enough? Is it because not enough time was devoted to attracting the best mom-and-pop operators?

According to the Montreal-based consulting firm Live Work Learn Play LLP, it could be all three.

For nearly four years, LWLP has been working with developers of centers in Monterey County, California; the Town of Mansfield, Connecticut; and elsewhere to make sure that the next generation of new urban centers is as convivial and successful as it can be.