Morris Newman is a recent Sacramento transplant from Los Angeles. As an independent writer, he specializes in architecture, commercial real estate, housing, landscape architecture and urban design. A long-time contributor to California Planning & Development Report, Morris is also a regular contributor to many publications, including the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. He is also the author of two books on architecture and has contributed chapters to several others. He lives with his wife Sharon Bernstein, the California political reporter for Reuters news service, and their son Leo in Arden Arcade.
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Residential Rehab
Brought to life by local designers, these four Capital Region houses are something to write home about
Some homes seem to ask for a coat of paint, maybe a patch or two. Others cry out — shriek, actually — to be made over entirely. “Clear away the clutter,” these houses would say, if they could talk. “Get some light in here! No more wallpaper.
Home on the Range
Amid housing boom, Placer County eyes a plan to preserve farmland
County officials appear close to approving a sweeping plan to preserve Placer’s agricultural character. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, a conservation plan would protect a large area of farms and open space in the western portion of Placer County, and keep them free of development for at least 50 years —possibly longer.
Catalyzing R Street
Tax credits and public money make the numbers work for artist lofts
Here’s a recipe to breathe new life into a lifeless block of R Street: Start with a 5-story warehouse made of solid concrete, suitable for loft conversion. Add subsidized rents. Then attract artists, writers and other creative types, plus their spouses, lovers, kids and hangers-on. Sprinkle in baby strollers, coffee shops, galleries, some painful-looking piercings and plenty of ink on skin.
Old Neighborhood; New Look
WAL completion a sign of development upswing on R Street
Development activity on R Street has gained momentum, with at least six renovation projects taking place in formerly obsolete industrial buildings on the corridor between 11th and 20th streets. The formerly grungy corridor has become arguably the most active development area in downtown Sacramento.
Urban Homestead
The Cannery in Davis blends city and country living
The Cannery is a housing development with a distinctly Davis flavor—that is, the taste of home-grown fruits and vegetables.
Healthy Options
Farmers markets and urban growers combat local food deserts
Despite living near some of the most productive farmland on earth, many Sacramentans are unable to find produce that’s both fresh and affordable in their own neighborhoods.
New Day on Broadway
In Oak Park, the triangle is the shape of things to come
Triangular blocks are wonderful in terms of urban energy because they dictate the creation of three-sided buildings — the only kind that can fit on those awkward sites — and the result is a group of endearing “flatiron” buildings with sharp edges that stand out from their surroundings. In other words, it’s a good place to start the revival of an entire shopping destination.