Urban Gentrification

“THE BENSON BEAT”The revitalization of downtown BensonUrban

geography

The Plan for Benson

What changes have you noticed that have already taken place in downtown Benson?

Do you feel these changes have been for the better?

The Benson-Ames Neighborhood Alliance has a plan

Urban Gentrification

The process in which a neighborhood is transformed from low-value to high-value properties.

4 Characteristics of Urban Gentrification

Demographics: An increase in median income, a decline in the proportion of racial minorities, and a reduction in household size, as low-income families are replaced by young singles and couples.

Real Estate Markets: Large increases in rents and home prices, increases in the number of evictions, conversion of rental units to ownership (condos) and new development of luxury housing.

Land Use: A decline in industrial uses, an increase in office or multimedia uses, the development of live-work "lofts" and high-end housing, retail, and restaurants.

Culture and Character: New ideas about what is desirable and attractive, including standards (either informal or legal) for architecture, landscaping, public behavior, noise, and nuisance.

Old Market- another example

The North Loop

What are other examples of urban gentrification?

How do you think urban gentrification affects the neighborhood's lower-

income residents?

What do you think are the causes of urban gentrification?

Production-side theory vs. Consumption side theory Production-side theory- based on economics,

continuous cycles of disinvestment and reinvestment in property within a capitalist system

(PROFIT, BUSINESSMEN) Consumption-side theory- based on culture,

leaders in community want to change their neighborhoods for the better

(NON-PROFIT, QUALITY OF LIFE)

Is urban gentrification a good idea?