Morris Newman

Back Writer

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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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. 

Feb 6, 2015 Morris Newman
 Units in the renovated industrial space at Warehouse Artist Lofts feature exposed ductwork, original concrete columns and period-appropriate light fixtures.

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.

Jan 12, 2015 Morris Newman

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.

Aug 28, 2014 Morris Newman