Waterfront Development

The transformation of waterfront sites in the post-industrial era began in the 1960s with a broadening of their scope beyond traditional industrial land uses. Because waterfronts historically have been a major economic force, determining the character of both their place and their population, their loss has had a profound impact.

Made possible with expanded zoning and urban renewal efforts, the renovation of working waterfronts has led to the enrichment of cities in a wide array of types including residential and commercial development, cultural amenities, and recreational resources, often with adaptive reuse and creative mixed use.