Curtin Call: August 2024

Students around the U.S. are packing up their backpacks to head back to the classroom, but for those of us working in the economic development industry, school is in session year-round. For me, doing my homework and staying on top of industry news remains the best way to counsel our clients on best practices and ever-changing trends in the economic development industry.  

As usual, this month was full of blogs, research and articles that inspired, informed, and surprised me. I kept track of a few of my favorites to share here with you – so read through and connect with me on your favorites from the month of August. 

On Fostering Creativity in Concrete Jungles 

I recently came upon this Bloomberg article that combines a few of my favorite topics: workforce development, creativity, urban space and investing in kids. We often hear community leaders talk about a “sense of place,” but what does that look like, especially when it comes to our youngest residents?  

In cities across the world, community members are finding new ways of investing in their place, particularly by finding new ways to entice and nurture the next generation. As economic development leaders consider creative ways to invest in their cities, leverage their community leaders and create places where people want to live and grow their families, this article offers up inspiration from around the globe.   

On A Defunct Airport Turned Little City 

Toronto’s plans for a new community will include many of the attractions that a traditional community has, such as playgrounds, bike paths and shops, with one unique addition: airplane hangars. The 30 billion Canadian dollar (22 billion USD) project will not be without difficulties, but developers are hopeful that their insistence on leaning into the aerospace legacy and authenticity will work in their favor.  

The old hangars will be turned into the community’s first residential neighborhood, but light and space also make them ideal for film production, light manufacturing and clean tech. And what about the runway? Read through to see the plans taking off.   

On Chicago’s Thriving Merchandise Mart 

Chicago is well-known for its architecture and vibrant culture, but creating unique spaces that function is no easy task. Just look at “The Merchandise Mart,” a massive Art Deco structure renovated last summer as the ideal post-pandemic office space. The building is a masterclass on embracing the future of work and giving historic buildings new life with intentionality and purpose.  

“It really ties to this idea that people want spaces that are worth the commute,” says Gensler principal Todd Heiser. “If people are going to leave their homes for the workday and come into the city, we have to create dynamic buildings that do more.” 

On L.A. Breaking Olympic Branding Boundaries 

If you are inspired by untraditional approaches to tradition, you’ll like this one! When you think of Olympic branding, I’m sure a few keywords come to mind. Iconic. Recognizable. Timeless. But what about adaptable? In a breakout approach to branding the Olympics, L.A. has taken creativity and adaptability to a new level. The LA28 emblem was built for the digital age with a dynamic and animated ‘A’ that thus far has 32 different variations – and it’s only 2024.   Have a look – an inspiring approach to a global tradition. 

On Intergenerational Housing  

I always appreciate solutions that solve multiple challenges.  Here are two examples specifically geared to housing for older adults: care homes integrated with daycares, and retirement housing on university campuses. 

With over 20% of the country’s population on the verge of retiring, reimagining care communities is vital not only for seniors but for the whole population. As public health concerns about loneliness grow, places like Belong are thinking about practical solutions that support all community members, from the youngest to the eldest. 

Instead of thinking of senior care as a place where community, education and joy fizzle out, places like Belong are springing up as an alternative. Within these intergenerational care facilities, toddlers can mingle with the elderly, working mothers can be closer to their children, students can receive cheaper housing and retirees can find new purpose. An inspiring approach indeed!