Why: Gentrification As A Laboratory

Having began a professional career by working for a city-sponsored program focused on the revitalization of neighborhoods, my experience provided early exposure to the concepts of urban renewal. Interests and opinions on gentrification have developed over the past years with the subconscious study of changing neighborhoods, and the excitement felt when witnessing an area being transformed.

I am constantly seeking the up and coming or transitional neighborhoods of cities visited because these areas buzz with energy; they tend to be young, vibrant, active and full of young professionals, educators, and artists. The streets and buildings are laboratories for the creative class; where thought provoking design, interesting architecture, urban planning and advanced building technology all compete for attention and elicit response.

Green Technology, Macallen Building, South Boston, MA

In addition, this is where redevelopment investment opportunities exist, and my imagination speculates with visions of what is possible. I have a natural passion for making something old new again, and value the renovation and reestablishment to glory of former important central neighborhoods in America’s cities.

Historic Preservation With New Building Infill, South Boston, MA

Not only does the important preservation work of our historic structures occur, but these neighborhoods also showcase the latest ideas and trends towards the way we think we should live going forward.

Spitzers, Lower East Side, Manhattan, NY

Disclaimer: I am not an “urban pioneer”, and have never found myself on the front lines of a transitioning neighborhood. Views are expressed from the cultural anthropologist* perspective. Since most people are only interested in the discussion of gentrification when the process affects them, I find very little opportunity for discussions on the topic in day-to-day discussion, so as this blog finds it's audience, I welcome any and all comments on the discussion of the topics I present.
*Or, perhaps "urban anthropologist"

Definitions: Gentrification By The Book

window sign, Fort Point, South Boston, MA

gen·tri·fi·ca·tion  \ˌjen-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun 1964: the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents
(Merriam Webster)

Gentrification and urban gentrification denote the socio-cultural changes in an area resulting from wealthier people buying housing property in a less prosperous community. Consequent to gentrification, the average income increases and average family size decreases in the community, which may result in the informal economic eviction of the lower-income residents, because of increased rents, house prices, and property taxes. This type of population change reduces industrial land use when it is redeveloped for commerce and housing. In addition, new businesses, catering to a more affluent base of consumers, tend to move into formerly blighted areas, further increasing the appeal to more affluent migrants and decreasing the accessibility to less wealthy natives.
(Wikipedia)

Window bars and chain-link give way to modern boxes with maximum square footage in Venice, CA

"In the classic gentrification pattern, architects, artists, gays, and young professionals discover a run-down
neighborhood, buy real estate when it's still a bargain, and spark a run on contractors, who take on months-long
renovation and restoration projects. Commercial gentrification usually is quick to follow - an initial rush of coffee bars
and exciting bistros, followed by a kind of sheepish regret as the dry cleaners and hardware stores disappear."
(Anthony Flint, Boston Globe May 29, 2005)