Downtown reconsidered

Abstract

This research paper begins with an overview of the history of American cities from the early twentieth century to present day. Important events in American history such as World War II and the Great Depression affected the economy and changed how cities operated. Innovations in the manufacturing of automobiles enabled residents to move from the city to the suburbs and cities witnessed a drop in population starting in the 1950s and lasted for several decades. Beginning in the early twenty-first century, there has been a renewed interest in downtowns. The increase in residential building permits in America’s metropolitan regions indicates that more people are trending towards the urban lifestyle. To explain the shift, this research paper examines downtown revitalization efforts, housing data, and reports on the current state of America’s cities.