Best Urban Block in South Florida? It’s out there. » Florida Redevelopment News Clips

This is a great idea!  There are many blocks that could serve as stiff competition in a contest such as this...right here in Lake Worth.  Click title for link to the Florida Redevelopment Association page or click here for a link to the Miami Herald page which talks about the contest.  Interestingly, architect Rick Gonzalez - designer of the NEW casino building - is one of the jurors in the contest.  I found this quote by him poignant in light of the recent debate/debacle on heights here.

Many urban designers like Gonzalez believe a moderate to mid-rise scale is best. In his experience, he said, what works best are building lots from 50 feet to 150 feet wide, and buildings of two to 10 stories, with a variety of businesses on the ground floor like cafes and shops, and on the upper floors offices or residences, including hotels.

“A great block would be one that all of us would like to live, work, play and learn on,’’ Gonzalez said.

But it’s not inconceivable that a great block could be found in a skyscraper district, if built with an orientation to the street at the base, like in many sections of Manhattan. Some experts say pedestrians hardly notice anything beyond four or five stories above their heads.

ad more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/14/2894236_p3/best-urban-block-in-south-florida.html#storylink=cpy