Malls are going back to their roots — as suburban town centers

You could fit a small town on the footprint of a mall. Now, some cities are doing that.

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Learn more:
99% Invisible | The Gruen Effect

Retrofitting Suburbia by Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson

Victor Gruen Papers | University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center

Shopping Towns USA by Victor Gruen

Mall Maker: Victor Gruen, Architect of an American Dream by M. Jeffrey Hardwick

WIRED | Architecture Professor Explains Why Malls Are Dying

Crosscut | Will the last person to leave Northgate Mall turn out the lights?

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Grist is the only award-winning newsroom focused on exploring equitable solutions to climate change. It’s vital reporting made entirely possible by loyal readers like you. At Grist, we don’t believe in paywalls. Instead, we rely on our readers to pitch in what they can so that we can continue bringing you our solution-based climate news. Donate now and your gift will be TRIPLED!

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