Walkability 1

Many millennials want to live in cities. One of my sons did that for three years, but never had the experience he hoped for. He moved to a suburb last summer. A friend enlightened me about the appeal of city living - she longs to walk to her destinations and live among diverse neighbors.

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My son and my friend are right on-trend, and investors are well aware of it. In this NY Times story an investor group has bought a 30-story office building to re-purpose into a combination of residential apartments, retail shops, restaurants, a fitness center - in addition to office space. "Mixed-use" development means more destinations within walking distance.

"Walkability" has been quantified, and you can get a score for hundreds of cities and neighborhoods here.

Not all cities, nor all areas within cities, draw people in. How do you do that, i.e., create city spaces that people actually love? Mayors and city councils have been asking. 

(cont'd tomorrow)