Numerous small towns and cities in the United States are dying. This project is the first step in their resurrection

The concept involves defining values for an urban legacy, focusing on:

• A hierarchy of public space for the greater good of people.
• Prioritizing pedestrian movement and interaction over vehicles.
• Diversity in aesthetics, faith, social programs, and housing typology to be addressed in policy documents and code.
• A shift in human perception of motility, promoting dwelling in neighborhoods where walking is consistently enjoyed, leading to higher incomes, lower stress levels, and a greater sense of happiness and connection.
• Humanity in planning and consumption of natural resources, sustaining infrastructure.

Goals derived from these values include:

1. Formulating a value system for recurrent immigration to the city.
2. Unequivocally defining the city as a fabric of dynamic strands and static infill attraction elements.
3. Establishing “place” as a direct outcome of “home,” where mother and child are one.
4. Making wellness an overarching principle to ensure ever-diminishing mortality.
5. Laying down policy as a mandate for excellence in education.
6. Defining targets for sustainable energy sources through public-private partnerships.
7. Inculcating a sense of belonging and ownership early in school, which translates into a sense of pride.
8. Refining the concept of shared family responsibility, encouraging the elderly to help parents share in the responsibility of the young, promoting family values, and providing incentives for semi-joint families.
9. Promoting diversity of faith with tolerance and respect for each other, providing avenues for religious awareness.
10. Affirming that the human is essentially more important than the car.

In 2024 an environmental report was published in which CSA Partners Ltd. was responsible for the envisioning.

Cyrus Subawalla-Principal Designer

Rahman Polk-Associate Principal

Gandhali Marathe + Tejash Panchal- Project Architects

Building type: Civic-Urban Design

Sustainability/LEED: CSA has set up the sustainability parameters.

Location: California

Site Area: 94 sq. miles

Project Area: Pilot Study – 18 sq. miles – Phase 1; 170+ 90 acres Phase 2; 170 acres from Phase 2 ongoing

Client: City of Lancaster

Completion Year: Phase 1 Completed Aug 2015, Phase 2 Completed Nov 2018, Phase 3 Ongoing

Construction Cost: To be determined.

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