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Paths Of Regression And Renaissance: Comparing Urban Renewal And Revitalization Strategies In Two Midwestern Model Towns, Thomas Lee Kuipers

Open Access Theses

This thesis compares and contrasts urban renewal and revitalization strategies in Gary, Indiana and Pullman, Illinois over the past century. These communities were founded under the proposed humanitarian ideals of the model town concept, which was supposed to offer ideal living and employment conditions for working class Americans. Within years of their founding each area reproduced the negative physical and social environment the model town concept was meant to protect against. After decades of neglect these areas sought different urban redevelopment plans to fix their environments. Gary city officials used traditional urban renewal tactics of slum clearance and rebuilding. These …