Broadway has long been a gem in the LA crown. It's recognised as an important U.S. Historic District with numerous architectural and social places of significance. However in recent years, increased competition and consumer behaviour has impacted on the vibrancy of the neighbourhood leading to a 15-20% ground floor vacancy rate. In response to this threat, a public-private partnership initiated by Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar, established to implement a ten-year 'complete streets' plan. The initiative, 'Bringing Back Broadway', includes a Streetscape Master Plan that will focus on providing greater comfort and enhancing the overall experience for pedestrians.

The first stage of the Plan is a 'Dress Rehearsal' consisting of a series of low-cost and quick-win interventions to create immediate traffic-calming enhancements. These interventions, some of which have just been added to Broadway, include the addition of moveable public seating, bike parking and street plants. "Broadway plazas looking amazing. Broadway today: brighter and more ped-friendly." tweeted Maria Sipin, cohost #womentalkbikes BikeTalk KPFK.

Here at TC, we're seeing similar initiatives happening across the world, including New York, Sydney and Chicago, and consider this stage of urban design as an important testing or prototype phase for long term streetscape improvements. We'll be watching Bringing Back Broadway over the coming months and looking forward to Stage 2 and "permanent build-out of the full-scale project on a block-by-block basis."

More information on this project can be found here.

By guest contributor, Chris Bruntlett.

Of the many legacies to emerge from Vancouver’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Games, the Olympic Village was easily the most unpredictable and uncertain. When their primary investor bailed during the financial crisis of 2008, the municipal government was forced to step in with hundreds of millions of dollars; unsure as to whether they would see a full return on their investment, with over half of the units unsold at the time of the games. However, the past four years have seen the Village go from ghost town to a bustling hive of activity; a transformation that has been the product of smart design, careful planning, long-term vision, and a little bit of luck.

Situated at the foot of False Creek, just steps away from the downtown peninsula and Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, the single biggest contributing factor to this project's success has been its prime location. A rehabilitated industrial area (which was mostly parking lot), the site boasts unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and North Shore Mountains, and now provides everything one could need within a few blocks: shops, cafés, restaurants, plazas, parks, a community centre, and a daycare.

Proximity and location have also made the Village an inadvertent transportation hub. It is served by two separate Skytrain lines, including the Canada Line that extends to the airport. This is another valued Olympic legacy, far outpacing ridership projections made during construction. Two water taxi services have docks there, connecting to dozens of locations around the inlet, while the adjacent seawall provides miles of comfortable walking and cycling. And three different car-sharing schemes offer vehicles for residents (or visitors) who might need access to one.

In a city where quality public space is at a premium, the Village has delivered in spades. The main plaza – flanked on three sides by residential balconies above shop fronts and patios – has provided a remarkably social place for people to gather and interact. As with most successful social urban spaces, the devil is in the details, with playground-like features and public art for children, and a variety of built-in seating for the adults. It has become a much-loved destination for my own children, who will climb, tumble, and play with the other kids for hours, given the chance.

Somehow, the Village has also become ground zero for Vancouver’s emerging bicycle culture. Found at the point where several bikeways converge to the waterfront (and 30-kilometres of glorious seawall cycling), it has established itself as an incredibly popular pre-, mid-, or post-ride meeting point; as well as my own favourite spot to grab a coffee, find a bench, and photograph passing stylish cyclists for Vancouver Cycle Chic. Amazingly, the demand for bike parking always seems to exceed the supply, keeping city staff busy with the task of installing new bike racks.

Just last month, the city officials announced they had sold all of the remaining units, and recovered every cent used to bailout the Olympic Village project. Now that the dust has settled, and it becomes an integral part of every Vancouverite's existence (I live 4.5-kilometres to the east, and somehow manage to visit a half dozen times per week), it is becoming difficult to imagine life without it. In a sense, the Village has embodied our transition into a more healthy, social, and sustainable 21st century city; and hopefully, it inspires city builders around the world to replicate its success.

Chris Bruntlett is a Residential Designer and father of two, living the (car-free) East Van dream. Outside of the office, he diligently documents the rise of mainstream bicycle culture via words, photographs, and film. He cherishes the ability to live and work in a dense, vibrant, sustainable city, and contribute to that vision on a daily basis. You can find Chris on Twitter: @cbruntlett

A 'Dress Rehearsal' for Bringing Back Broadway!

The Olympic Village: Vancouver’s Newest Neighbourhood