New Urbanism is one of the most

New Urbanism is one of the most influential planning trends of the last few decades, according to April’s 25th anniversary edition of Builder magazine, published by the National Association of Home Builders. The point was underscored by the editors’ salute to visionary communities exhibiting “exemplary, forward-thinking planning and design.” New urban projects claimed five of the ten honor spots. Leading the list was Seaside, FL, planned by Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. Citing Seaside’s distinctive ingredients — traditional-style cottages, gridded street system, and pedestrian-friendly walkways, all reminiscent of a bygone era — Builder proclaimed, “America responded to that feeling.” The list also included Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company’s Kentlands. Other new urban communities on the list: • Harbor Town, Memphis, TN, designed by Looney Ricks Kiss. • Orenco Station, Hillsboro, OR, developed by Costa Pacific Communities and Pac Trust, and planned by Fletcher Farr Ayotte and Iverson Associates. • Addison Circle, Addison, TX, where developer Post Properties and architects RTKL Associates proved the drawing power of high-density residential development coupled with major retail and office components. Builder gave a parenthetical nod to two other Post projects, Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado and Arlington’s Pentagon Row. The five other visionary projects chosen by Builder were Woodbridge, in Irvine, CA; Promontory Pointe, in Newport Beach, CA; Anthem, in Phoenix, AZ; Mesa Coronado, in Mesa, AZ; and Highlands Ranch, in Denver, CO.