When Discussing Housing Affordability, Don’t Forget About Basic ‘Pride of Place’
In Seattle, the recent recommendations of the Mayor’s Housing and Livability Agenda (HALA) Advisory Committee have dominated civic discussion, particularly a small part of the HALA report that …
Practicing Urban Observation, Seattle-Style
In Seattle, a few months ago, I looked across the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Olive Way, into McGraw Square, and towards the Westin Hotel, noting a Seattle urbanism trifecta—the Lake Union …
What Sunset Silhouettes Explain About the City
What do sunset silhouettes at Alki Beach underscore about the fundamentals of a successful urban place? A quick read of these sequential photographs immediately underscores the important of water …
Retaining Sustainable Storefronts in the Urban Realm
Vital storefronts are an indicator of urban success, while empty businesses are akin to the ruins of Pompeii. Even when storefronts go empty, some cities find ways to simulate that all is well. False …
Uncovering Embedded ‘Patterns of Place’ in the City
Amid the roads, sidewalks and places that you have visited before, there are often embedded patterns to uncover, read and reinterpret. This exploration is an archaeology which involves more than …
Fusion Businesses and the Cities of Tomorrow
When a small branch of Molly Moon’s ice cream opened within the Madrona Laundromat up the street, it was evidence that today’s land use regulations are becoming more in sync with changing urban …
Creating the Urban Diary
A prevalent theme in contemporary urbanist articles and blog posts addresses the enhanced experience of places in cities — whether while walking, biking, or using public transportation. Kasey Klimes’ …
Keeping Cities Simple: Shelter and the Wheel
In late March of this year, just after returning from Africa, I reviewed comparative, “then and now” photographs of Brainerd, Minnesota, presented by Chuck Marohn on the Strong Towns blog. A vital …