Currently under construction, the Transbay Transit Center will serve as a nexus for transit in the Bay Area. With more than 1 million square feet of space, 11 transportation systems and direct connections to the city around it, the facility is poised to become the “Grand Central Station of the West.” Join SPUR for a
How do developers decide what to build and where to build it? Which comes first: new infrastructure or new buildings? Learn some of the basics of urban real estate development from one of Silicon Valley’s most prolific developers. + Tim Steele / Sobrato
Many newer architectural practices in the Bay Area are establishing compelling trajectories in their work through the utilization of new thinking and innovative design mediums. How will these efforts shape the built future of our cities? In this two-part series, come hear these firms debate the links between research, practice and culture while challenging the
While San Jose has an urban vision for its future, its past is rooted in suburban development. Many cities have implemented “small lot subdivision” ordinances that allow for small developments that can be built without requiring a homeowners’ association and related hassles. Is this an answer to help fill the gap where mid-rises and high-rises
The Bay Area continues to evolve thanks to advances in technology, passionate advocacy, and innovative thinking and development, with a handful of cutting-edge thinkers leading the charge. Come grab a beer and hear from the key people who are shaping the region’s future. In this installment of SPUR’s newest Young Urbanist series, we talk with
What makes a family choose to live in the city? One of the most important — and often missing — factors is quality housing suitable to a family’s needs. Can we make our housing family-friendly by design? Given that there are many ways to define a family in San Francisco, how can our housing reflect the
With significant new housing developments planned across San Francisco by 2040, the expected population growth of families and children will significantly impact our public schools and their current capacity. How will the San Francisco Unified School District, and the city, plan for this anticipated increase in students in the near future? Myong Leigh / San
GreenTRIP Connect is a powerful new tool that allows users to go online, select a parcel of land being considered for development, and instantly explore how much the driving and parking demand – and associated greenhouse gas emissions – go down by applying services like carsharing or affordable housing. Come learn more about the program
Did you know that one of the largest urban farms in the Bay Area is located in the middle of San Jose? Jacob’s Farm, located on 180 acres of Martial Cottle Park, serves as both an active farm and an educational space for the public. Come learn about the history of this gem and then
What are the big planning issues facing our region today? Can we balance affordable housing, effective transportation and sustainable growth? Join the planning directors of San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland for a rare conversation about how our cities are planned and what lies ahead for the Bay Area's three central cities. + Rachel Flynn
San Francisco’s chief economist has estimated that it would be take another 100,000 units of housing to stabilize rents. However, physical and political constraints on the city’s built form make it difficult to find the space for this housing. The newest exhibition at the SPUR Urban Center, in partnership with the California College of the
Oakland’s largest real estate project is underway. Brooklyn Basin encompasses 65 acres of the city’s southern waterfront and will create 3,000 new homes, including 465 affordable units, 32 acres of open space and a new marina. Come hear how this project came to life and what it will take to make it a reality. Speakers:
