There is a new trend in commercial building -- and it involves trying to build old-style downtowns in suburban neighborhoods. These communities are inclusive communities, with 1st floor businesses, 2nd floor lofts, as well as housing and office space. Here are some drawings of a recent effort that is going in in Leawood -- an upscale suburb of Kansas City. The area will be built entirely of brick, and bring in local restaurants from existing locations.
I'm torn on the issue. On one hand, it's nice that suburban planning may evolve from culd-e-sacs, strip malls and chain restaurants -- to even get to the point where people can go someplace, any place, without getting in their cars. I'm also great with building brick buildings that may actually look good beyond the next 20 years. However, what these communities are trying to build 
is the same character that exists in urban settings, in old, urban neighborhoods. And is that something that can be built? I'm skeptical that old-town charm can be manufactured. I've yet to visit a new development like this that has that same feel. The two that I've visited are nice enough, but the same fell isn't there -- maybe it's because they mostly have chain retail stores. But it all feels manufactured to me. Which then leads me to wonder why communities continue to spend millions of dollars to try to manufacture something that already exists, but is left to dilapidate in our inner-cities?
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