@notjustbikes@CityBeautifulYT you've inspired me to do an urbanist side project: "Ghosts of the Past."
Most people don't realize the parking lots in downtowns used to be vibrant storefronts with history and character. #urbanplanning#urbandesign
@the_transit_guy https://t.co/KS7LTbHyQX
This is the article I look to when our groups fight.
I read Chuck's piece as a "yes and" situation that adds nuance to simpler narratives.
@humantransit As someone who lives in Bloomington-Normal, I have to be selfish and say straight from Chicago to Saint Louis please. Trains on the Lincoln Service up to Chicago are pretty full right now. That demand will skyrocket with the faster times.
@the_transit_guy I walked through Catfiddle Street earlier this summer. It was magical. You need to check out Charleston's Project 3500. It's their Hail Mary to build many more of these places, affordably.
@UrbanCourtyard@WalterH17231294 We will be livestreaming the talk to our socials, and the recording will live on our Strong Towns Blono YouTube channel.
In 1919, Bloomington made its first real attempt at urban planning. They commissioned Edward Bennett, a partner of urban planner Daniel Burnham, to envision a cultural district center around a civic square on the 200 north block of Prairie Street. It never came to fruition.
Today, it has been turned to surface parking. A center of civic life usurped by car storage. One stirs pride, inspiration, and is economically productive. the other: a byproduct of poor planning that deters pedestrians, adds to the urban heat island, & destroys a sense of place.
Hi, Central Illinois! Courtyard Urbanism is coming to Bloomington-Normal (home of Rivian and one of the most promising downtown-repair opportunities in the Midwest) on Thursday, July 23.
Across the Midwest, towns and small cities are asking the same question, "How can we grow again without repeating the mistakes of sprawl, megaprojects, or anonymous apartment blocks?"
Courtyard urbanism offers a practical answer. Mid-rise courtyard blocks can add homes for families with kids, young workers, students, seniors, and local employees while also making downtowns more beautiful, walkable, green, and socially connected. Instead of pushing growth to the edge of town, this model helps repair the center. More residents near shops, schools, parks, transit, restaurants, jobs, and civic life.
Our 2026 Downtown Charrette will begin with public engagement and a keynote from Alicia Pederson, the Courtyard Urbanist, on how Bloomington-Normal and other Midwestern communities can use courtyard blocks to grow their population, welcome families, strengthen local businesses, and dramatically improve urban quality.
The event will be held in the Governor Fifer Courtroom on the third floor. The space is fully elevator accessible.
@Cobylefko I spent much time in Saint Augustine as a kid, and my family still lives there. My cousin is a developer and I just think there is a lack of vision on what is possible.
Traffic is insane crossing the bridge.... if FL had any guts they'd invest in more dignified transit options.