Project for Public Spaces worked with community members in Elmira, NY, to gather ideas for rejuvenating a section of railroad viaduct and creating an identifiable gateway for the city. The city has submitted an application for federal funding for the project.

“Two blocks of well-loved green space next to New York’s main library should get Minneapolis thinking: Why not transform one or more of the surface parking lots next to its central library into an urban oasis?”  Bryant Park provides a model for Minneapolis to think about the backyard of its new downtown library.

The conversion of a former 360,000-square-foot mill complex in Pawtucket, RI, into Hope Artiste Village will offer moderately priced artist studios, apartments, offices, restaurants, small businesses, a bakery, a courtyard theater and a sculpture garden, with Mayor James E. Doyle saying it’s “nothing new for us to transform vacant buildings into productive workplaces,” but this project is “incredible.”

Bill Donahue, a writer for Sierra Club, explores Shanghai by bike to experience first-hand China’s shift from the “kingdom of bicycles” to the world’s second-largest car market.

“American architecture is still reeling from the 9/11 attacks. Critics and architects say that security now trumps design, as barricades and mall-like plazas are sucking the soul out of urban life.”

“After three years of studying ways to restore the authenticity of New Orleans’ renowned open-air market, members of the French Market Corp. and the City Council broke ground Thursday on a $5 million project to revitalize the French Quarter landmark.

The two-phase project, which will take between eight to 10 months to complete, will include new tenant spaces; renovated and modernized sheds for both the Farmers Market and Flea Market; roof and gutter replacement; newly installed metal awnings and canvas drops; and new public restrooms in both markets.”

A film documenting Portland’s success in moving people from cars to public transportation is airing on British television.

Rapid bus systems recently received landslide victories in a number of counties near Detroit, Michigan, and the public support is helping to convince local politicians that the time may be right to build a rapid rail line from Detroit to Ann Arbor.

A report by Project for Public Spaces recommended that Covington, KY, build an open-air public market to anchor its planned Times-Star Commons project.

An article from Grist Magazine that examines local food systems and the economics of small farms and farmers markets.