URBAN DECAY AND RENAISSANCE
In the 1960“s new trends came and industrial decline was a shock for the region. The heavy industry closed his main plants in search for more cheaper labor markets in the south or overseas. The leading industries (aeronautics, high tech) moved to the sunbelt or the Pacific coast (California) as also did people across the region in search of better jobs in California or simply to relocate in a more beautiful environmental landscape in the coast of Florida.
People moved away from the cities to live in the suburban communities. The urban decay was evident in the major cities by the 1970“s. A great effort were done to revitalize the downtowns. Pittsburgh and Cleveland were among the leading cities in the nation in the success of this plans. Entire areas of the city centre were cleaned and restaured, as the Golden Triangle (Pittsburgh) or The Flats (Cleveland).
In the last decades almost all the cities are
improving his downtowns with renewal plans: preserving
historic buildings, housing rehabilitation, establishing
restaurants, markets, hotels, transforming old industries
and warehouses into housing lofts . . .
Really bringing life to the downtown, with many Theaters,
Museums, opening in the years to come, preserving the
heritage and lifestyle of this great region.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© MAINSQUARE USA Geography Project. Texts
and graphic designs by Juan Vicente Santamarķa
Gil 2004
