New Urbanism = Historic Urbanism

One of the development concepts that we have been doing a lot of research on is ‘new urbanism.’ We have been taking an interest to study successful historic downtown areas that have been restored to thriving city centers, as well as areas that are adopting the modern development model of new urbanism.

In essence – new urbanism is really historic urbanism. If you look at how city centers were established pre-1900 you will notice that almost all downtown areas were bustling economic centers with a high level of density. Looking further back in historical times to the towns across Europe you will find this urban model mimics itself over and over - - why… because it was a successful way to build new urban centers for commerce and ultimately sustainability.

The Main Street Program also closely mirrors the concept of new urbanism or historic urbanism as we prefer to call it. The Main Street Program deals specifically with the rejuvenation of the economic component of a city center revitalization. Additionally, the Main Street principles that support the ‘livability’ of a city center are in concert with the ‘urbanism’ approach.

Following you will find the 10 Principles of New Urbanism taken from the http://www.newurbanism.org web site. In reading them you will see how closely they reflect the city scape of Centralia, WA and many other historic downtowns. The key to the success of this model is the economic revitalization that will occur as more people move into the downtown core and see the viability of living there and creating an enjoyable life in the city center.

As you read through these principles, consider what Centralia, WA USED to be - - can you see how the revitalization process can restore the city center to the vital and economically robust community that it used to be? We CAN, and that is why our investment dollars are hard at work rehabilitating the famous Historic Wilson Hotel in the heart of the historic district of Hub City!

The revitalization of Hub City will ultimately be the restoration of historic urbanism in Centralia.