Strong Towns tours/evaluates Edina (neighborhoods, vs, mall)

[capitalcityguy]

As a former resident of the Twin Cities and frequent visitor, I found great interest in these three blog articles and accompanying videos featuring Charles Marohn, founder & President of Strong Towns as he critiques and advises Edina city leaders as they look to improve their city. Each of these videos are unique, because they aren't in a conference room somewhere but rather they are on the ground as he holds discussions with various city leaders as they tour the streets and various locations around the city.

For those that are interested in suburban vs urban development patterns and whether a suburb can transform itself into something resembling a more traditional, urban city, you’ll find these very interesting. There is even a discussion on how to try and better connect Southdale Mall with its surrounding neighborhoods (vs the island it sits on today).


Some reflections (and a video) on Edina

Edina's Downtown - A Video Tour

Retrofitting Edina - A Video Tour

[capitalcityguy]

I think what most impressed me about these articles/videos is how the leaders of an already successful suburb aren't simply sitting on their hands and enjoying success or more importantly, not just settling for "more of the same". They want to make their city work better now...while things are still humming along nicely.

Unfortunately, I think too many cities (central cities and suburbs) aren't taking the time or effort to take these types proactive steps to assure a healthy city in the future. They are and will simply settle for the easy money/developments that bring in near term growth (e.g...the latest big box/strip mall) , but unfortunately probably aren't viable long term.