U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development

The 30 largest cities in the U.S. are experiencing a “Doppler shift” in walkable development, according to a researcher at the George Washington University School of Business and co-author of the report, 2019 Foot Traffic Ahead report.

Dr. Tracy Loh says that even the lowest ranked metros such as Tampa and Phoenix are seeing increased market share of walkable urban development, versus sprawl. Walkable urban absorption in the largest metros is gaining market share by over twice their 2010 market share base, the study, done in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield, Smart Growth America/LOCUS, and Yardi Matrix, found.

“Denver’s appearance at number two is a direct reflection of the region reaping the dividends of more than a decade of ambitious investments in rail transit and more transit-accessible housing and office/retail, and the growth of the knowledge economy, which demands walkable urban development patterns,” according to a news release. New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco rounded out the top six most walkable metro regions.

“Foot Traffic Ahead shows that the future is walkable, mixed-use places,” said Calvin Gladney, president and CEO of Smart Growth America. “Metro areas have a choice to make: continue distorting the market by subsidizing an outdated form of sprawling growth that separates residents from their daily needs, cuts them off from opportunity, and costs more to serve and maintain. Or, realize the massive potential benefits of meeting the pent-up demand for walkable places—which is one of the best ways to help more residents live in places that are affordable, healthy, and prosperous.”

Since early 2020, Americans have been forced to sequester themselves in their homes with outdoor activities, in most cases, being the sole respite for social distancing. And many of people are going back to the basics with a quintessential outdoor activity: biking. Bike sales absolutely skyrocketed during the pandemic, growing by 69% in 2020.

Resiliency | Jun 24, 2021

Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]

New on HorizonTV, oceanographer John Englander discusses his latest book, which warns that, regardless of resilience efforts, sea levels will rise by meters in the coming decades. Adaptation, he says, is the key to future building design and construction.

Nelson Mandela Park green space in Rotterdam

Urban Planning | May 3, 2021

SWA/Balsley unveils Nelson Mandela Park Master Plan for Rotterdam

The conceptual plan provides much-needed central neighborhood and civic open space in the city’s South Maashaven district.

The Weekly Show, Apr 29, 2021: COVID-19's impact on campus planning, and bird management strategies

University Buildings | Apr 29, 2021

The Weekly Show, April 29, 2021: COVID-19's impact on campus planning, and bird management strategies

This week on The Weekly show, BD+C Senior Editor John Caulfield interviews a duo of industry experts on 1) how campus planning has changed during the pandemic and 2) managing bird infestations on construction sites and completed buildings.

Abandoned train depot in Detroit will be part of new mobility innovation district under development.

Urban Planning | Dec 6, 2020

Ford lays out plans for mobility innovation district in Detroit

Its centerpiece is an abandoned train depot whose architecture and decay reflect two sides of this city’s past.

Resiliency | Nov 5, 2020

CRE investors are concerned that cities aren’t resilient enough for climate change

A new ULI-Heitman report states that the biggest challenge to valuation is measuring urban risk mitigation.

Multifamily Housing | Oct 22, 2020

The Weekly show: Universal design in multifamily housing, reimagining urban spaces, back to campus trends

BD+C editors speak with experts from KTGY Architecture + Planning, LS3P, and Omgivning on the October 22 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.