For Chronicle readers only, there’s a special discounted nonmember rate of $225 (mention the Chronicle at on-site registration) available for the New Urbanism 101 program. It includes Opening Night With Henry Cisneros event. Both events take place in the Austin Convention Center.
New Urbanism 101: The Crash Course
Thursday, April 3, 9am-5pm, Room 6Presenters: Andrés Duany, Jacky Grimshaw, Doug Farr, Emily Talen, Jeff Speck, Peter Swift, Mike Krusee
Cost: $225 discounted rate (see above). Some scholarships available for Central Texas elected officials and city managers/planners; contact mikekrusee@yahoo.com.
Curious to understand just what New Urbanism really is? This session, taught by inspirational CNU founder Andrés Duany and other movement leaders, provides an in-depth primer on the movement’s history, principles, and urban-planning practices. Learn about key concepts, transportation planning, and theory vs. practice. The session features a Q&A period with noted New Urbanists.
Plus: Opening Night with Henry Cisneros
Thursday, April 3, 6-7pm, Ballroom ABC (prior reception 5-6pm, in Exhibit Hall 1)Presenters: Henry Cisneros, with John Norquist, Hank Dittmar, Mike Krusee, Toby Futrell
Now the chief executive of an affordable-housing investment fund, Cisneros will discuss the legacy of Hope VI and the challenges and opportunities ahead for urban developers.
The Right Mix (Austin streetcar route on Manor Road)
Wednesday, April 2, 8:30am-5pmSalvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd.
Cost: $120 (requires separate registration)
Co-sponsor: Capital Metro. Participants: Howard Blackson III, Bill Dennis, Geoff Dyer, Susan Henderson, Jennifer Hurley, Lisa Israelovitch, Glenn Kellogg, Rachel Merson, Max Reim, Rob Spanier, Peter Swift.
In the proposed streetcar line to provide circulator transit around Central Austin, a key corridor will be Manor Road. This Urban Lab will explore how principles of New Urbanism can be applied to create a more robust public realm and new opportunities for living, working, and entertaining along Manor Road. Includes tour, issues session, and breakout sessions to explore the best mix of retail and other land uses (e.g., office, civic, residential) to benefit neighborhoods and provide synergy with the streetcar.
This article appears in March 28 • 2008.