Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the Downtown East project is one that has the potential to revitalize an entire 16-block section of Edmonton's downtown area. The writer maintains that it is an ambitious program that would restore and create housing in the area; clean the streets of garbage and undesirable activities; increase safety and security through new lighting and increased police presence; and would create a new cultural and historical center. In addition, it would improve the tax base to attract new businesses to the area. The writer concludes that as proposed, the project will have many positive effects on the area, which could in turn cause ripple effects that extend to the remaining downtown areas.

Tags:community, downtown

Abstract
This paper discusses the urban development in downtown Los Angeles, particularly in the Bunker Hill and Broadway/Main/Spring/Hill/Area. The case is made that while development definitely makes these areas better by cleaning the streets of crime and filth, it also is geared towards a cultural change which shuts out lower income members of society.

From the Paper
"Downtown Los Angeles is a diverse area. There are contrasting neighborhoods which vary from block to block. Many of these neighborhoods have gone through or are in the midst of going through major transitions. One such neighborhood is Bunker Hill. The area was once full of Victorian homes in its golden age. In the 1960s through the 1980s, it became quite..."

Tags:downtown, l.a., planning

Abstract
The paper uses the cities of Guelph and Vermont to show how communities can combat the phenomenon of dying downtowns. The paper illustrates how cities must focus on a sustainable economic development strategy and must have a commitment from all sectors of the community with the city council. The paper also looks at Mexico as an example of the negative effects of a Mexican version of Wal-Mart on downtown.

Outline:
Introduction
Downtown Death Delayed By Design
Power of the People
Vermont Vs Big Box Construction
Mexico's Malingering Big Box
Londerville-A Synthesis of the Research
Summit Report-Waterloo-Guelph
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"In all cities and towns all over both the United States and Canada something is dying, or perhaps already dead and that something is downtown and cultural heritage being replaced by something generic and that comes in a big box - that something is 'Wal-Mart'. While Wal-Mart has brought lower prices to these communities, Wal-Mart has also brought decay, decline, and crime. These lower prices have come with a high price tag to communities and society as this work in writing intends to show."

Tags:economic, construction, quality-of-life, culture, mom-and-pop, stores

Abstract
This paper analyzes an existing retail business, MINI Downtown, a car dealership located in downtown Toronto. The analysis includes an environmental scan, trends analysis of the product as well as the neighbourhood. It also presents a foot traffic study, in addition to an internal analysis of product, showroom and a statistics are provided on the trading area.

From the Paper
"INTRODUCTION The MINI Cooper is a redesign of a classic British car the Mini Cooper, still being built in Oxford, England (mini.ca). The company was purchase by BMW and the car redesigned and updated in 2001 to fit with those who demand quality but are also living with the realities of smaller living spaces and rising cost of fuel. It is positioned as a small, but fast and fun car sporty car with high quality finishing and design details."

Tags:retail, management, cars

Abstract
The paper uses a framwork of the location rent model and gentrification and argues that gentrification created both the value and the fuel for condominium development in downtown Toronto.

From the Paper
"Urban areas are shaped by a number of social, political, economic and cultural factors. As these factors change they can often result in changes in dwelling types and these changes in dwelling types can lead to drastically transformed neighbourhoods. One of the most important trends that can be seen in Toronto is the growing dominance of condominiums. For example, in "Putting Up A Concrete Curtain" Dong Wanagas argues, "But take a drive along the nearly 40-year-old...""

Tags:condo, toronto, theory

Abstract
This paper explains that Philadelphia's role as the dominant force in the regional economy has slipped because, not only is the market likely to be flooded with open office space, thus driving down rents, but also business offices are spreading out into the region. The author points out that a decline in demand combined with a flood in supply does not bode well for the purchase of the proposed real estate property. The paper recommends not to purchase office space in the CBD of Philadelphia, but rather to purchase or invest in hotel property because tourism in this district is showing a steady growth.

Table of Contents
Local Economy
Competitive Supply
Competitive Demand
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A Philadelphian resurgence in the Central City Business District has been predicted since the early 1990's. But, from an office owner's real estate oriented perspective and vantage 2004, is Philadelphia a "good bet". What about specifically regarding office space targeted to that of the horary perspective of the legal profession? Would the purchase of a small, Class A office property that would hold a law office and/or some other prospective office tenants be a wise real estate investment? Does the market data back up the status of rhetoric in the popular media regarding the city's central business district, or "CBD". "Philadelphia has always been an underrated market", said Arthur Fefferman, president of New York-based AFC Realty Capital, predicting the city's resurgence. Does this analysis of the previous decade prove true""

Tags:hotel, region, oversupply, leases, recommendation

Abstract
This paper explains that, while vacancy rates at rental rates in the Philadelphia downtown core (CBD) have remained relatively stable in the last two years, there is little solid evidence of economic growth in the future. The author points out that the creation of any new downtown office building must take into account the potential impact of the current plans for the addition of the Cira Centre and One Pennsylvania Place Philadelphia downtown core (CBD), slated to be built in the city's Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones (KOIZ), site-specific designations that offer the owners and occupants significant relief from a number of state and local taxes. The paper relates that the proposed building has one large advantage over many other current Class A buildings because it offers Class A rental rates at a relatively low rate compared to the average rental rate for the CBD.

From the Paper
"The office market in the Philadelphia central business district (CBD) is currently experiencing a downturn. Since 1990, nearly 2,100 people per year have left the downtown. There is little evidence to suggest that this downturn will be reversed in the near future. Overall, Philadelphia enjoys a healthy economy, with a March 2004 unemployment rate of 5.5%, and a civilian labor force of 2,488,500 individuals. The average rental rate for the CBD from the first quarter of 2002 to the first quarter of 2004 has remained steady, hovering close to $24 per square foot. The vacancy rate for the CBD has also remained relatively steady at close to 14 percent.

Tags:vacancy, rental, taxes, koiz, suburban

Abstract
This paper considers issues associated with upgrading and revitalizing their so-called "downtown" or central city areas. It also addresses problems such as removing and/or relocating the poor and minorities who tend to live there now, as well as trying to persuade businesses to either return or stay. According to the paper, the economy is driving more and more people to internet shopping or nearby malls instead of a shopping trip downtown.

From the Paper
"The subject about inner city residents moving to the suburbs, and more of them shopping on the Internet rather than in actual retail stores is now open to change. While most literature still depicts downtowns as something left for the minority residents, the vagrants and drug culture populations, the enormous rise in gasoline prices now is seeing some downtowns revitalized. Still many retailers still are concerned about the dirt and the dingy aura of center cities. So, one needs to see the downside, look into e-commerce, the growth of suburban malls, as well as downtown revitalization...."

Tags:center city, gentrification, economy

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the book 'In Plain Sight: Reflections on life in Downtown Eastside Vancouver' and notes that it is extremely useful for the study of sociology. The writer points out that the editors, Robertson and Cuihane interviewed women who actually live on the downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

From the Paper
"This is an area that the locals have started to refer to as "Pain and Wastings," instead of "Main and Hastings." It has the highest rate of HIV from drug use in the developed world. For most other residents of the city, this area is something that they just drive by and ignore. The actual people who live there are invisible, except as a "problem." The strength of this book is that it enables a few of these women to become visible as individuals in all their "vivid reality"."

Tags:women

Abstract
This paper will consider the relation between the British Columbia public transit service's new "Stop Request" program, in relation to the transportation needs of Vancouver's Downtown East Side residents. This paper will examine these issues with Beauregard's (1989) modernist/postmodernist perspective; and the usefulness of Young's (YEAR) discussion of the five faces of oppression, as a way to more specifically characterize the people of East Side Vancouver in relation to their marginal location in the city and in the society and their relation with issues of "safety".