The Revitalist

CoolTown Studios posts about a recent ULI report on the popular town-center-style shopping centers. One of the examples is North Hills in Raleigh, NC. This one I know well because it's just a few blocks from where I grew up. The new development replaced a decrepit 1967 mall (you could almost hear the death rattle when you drove by) that was once the community hub. The new one is a wild success—people from across Raleigh are flocking here. The whole family can go for the evening—the kids can hang out with their friends, and the parents can have dinner or a drink or browse.

Also, Kara sent me this Onion article that is a sharp send-up of the whole CoolTown/Urban Hipster phenomenon (although, I'm sure they would insist on leaving the bodega just the way it is).