Description
Great places are all around us. We live, work, visit, and recreate in great places. From time to time, we may ask, What makes this place great? In endeavoring to celebrate excellence in planning and the unique elements and important attributes of exceptional places, the American Planning Association (APA) launched the annual Great Places in America program in April 2007. This report provides a snapshot of the first 20 designations — 10 neighborhoods and 10 streets — which were announced October 2, 2007, in Washington, D.C., during National Community Planning Month.
The neighborhoods and streets designated in 2007 stand out as places of exceptional character and lasting value. They are memorable, perhaps even famous, but each deeply cared for and valued. Great Places in America recognizes areas that not only visitors find appealing, but that are enjoyed and appreciated by those who work and live there every day.
Criteria considered include affordability; accessibility and equality; environmental stewardship and sustainability; urban and architectural design; and safety. Also considered were a place's history, amenities, civic engagement and participation, geography, diversity, and socioeconomic factors.
Designated places underscore the valuable contributions planners and planning play in helping create outstanding neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces.
Table of Contents
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Introduction
Great Streets
Chapter 1: 125th Street, Harlem, New York
Chapter 2: Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia
Chapter 3: Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Chapter 4: Delmar Loop, University City and St. Louis, Missouri
Chapter 5: Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
Chapter 6: Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia
Chapter 7: North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Chapter 8: Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida
Chapter 9: South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
Chapter 10: St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
Great Neighborhoods
Chapter 11: Chatham Village, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Chapter 12: Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.
Chapter 13: Elmwood Village, Buffalo, New York
Chapter 14: First Addition, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Chapter 15: Hillcrest, San Diego, California
Chapter 16: North Beach, San Francisco, California
Chapter 17: Old West Austin, Austin, Texas
Chapter 18: Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York
Chapter 19: Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
Chapter 20: West Urbana, Urbana, Illinois
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