ABSTRACT
Albuquerque is a decentralized city that has grown by annexation; much of the new development has bypassed the downtown. The use of business improvement districts is starting to make a significant difference in downtown Washington, D.C., and has had impressive success in downtown Philadelphia. Being able to go out to a cafe for coffee, being close to other people in the same kind of work, being close to culture and entertainment all make downtown, or neighborhoods close to downtown, attractive locations for combined live-work housing. All over the United States downtown shopping streets are coming back, and stores that used to be seen only in malls are appearing in streetfronts. Partly the change was a victory for historic preservationists and urban designers through the Main Street Program and the efforts of planning and redevelopment agencies in big cities. Some of the change was created by cities merchandising their cultural and tourist destinations, and building convention and exhibition centers.
