Jane Jacobs was right

[finehoe]

Older and smaller buildings and a wide range in building age offer real economic and social benefits for neighborhoods and urban centers, according to a study of three major cities—Seattle, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

The study was inspired by Jane Jacob's well-known contention in her influential 1961 bestseller, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. She argued that "Cities need old buildings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous streets and districts to grow without them."

Old buildings provide cheap and flexible space for business owners, skilled makers, and artists to operate. They balance the newer, more expensive buildings where more established enterprises and richer folk can reside. These newer buildings eventually become old and the cycle comes full circle. Small buildings add variety and diverse ownership to a neighborhood, also contributing economic vitality, according to Jacobs.

Among the recommendations: Cities should make it easier to reuse small buildings. In some cities, "older commercial buildings languish, with empty upper floors or vacant storefronts. Cities can help unlock the potential of these spaces by removing barriers, such as outdated zoning codes and parking requirements and streamlining permitting and approval processes."

http://bettercities.net/news-opinion/blogs/robert-steuteville/21383/jane-jacobs-was-right

[Ocklawaha]

This might stun some people, but I agree... +1000

[strider]

If only the right people would believe it. Or at least believed they could make money off the concept.

[urbanlibertarian]

Among the recommendations: Cities should make it easier to reuse small buildings. In some cities, "older commercial buildings languish, with empty upper floors or vacant storefronts. Cities can help unlock the potential of these spaces by removing barriers, such as outdated zoning codes and parking requirements and streamlining permitting and approval processes."

Sounds like deregulation.  How could that possibly be a good thing?   

[finehoe]

Sounds like deregulation.

Or smarter regulation.  There is a difference.