Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs by Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson

Have you ever driven past a sprawling strip mall or a half-empty parking lot and thought, there has to be a better way? So did the authors of this fascinating, forward-thinking book.

Retrofitting Suburbia is a landmark exploration of how America’s aging suburbs can be reimagined into vibrant, walkable, sustainable communities. Through dozens of real-world case studies, Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson show how dead malls, vacant office parks, and underused commercial corridors are being transformed into something far more human-scaled and alive.

What makes this one special? It’s packed with rich visuals, before-and-after illustrations, and practical urban design strategies. Whether you’re an architect, a town planner, a student, or simply a curious local who cares about where we live, you’ll find plenty here to linger over.

This is the kind of book that sparks conversation. It’s widely praised as a foundational text in the new suburbanism movement, and it remains a go-to reference for anyone thinking seriously about the future of our built environment.

A few things you’ll discover inside:

• Inspiring case studies of suburban reinvention from across the country
• Smart, achievable design solutions for retrofitting existing spaces
• A hopeful, grounded vision for greener, more connected communities

Here in our little seaside cove, we appreciate a well-designed place as much as anyone. This book reminds us that good design isn’t just for postcard-perfect towns. It’s for everywhere.

Pull up a chair, pour yourself something warm, and start dreaming about what our communities could become. We think you’ll love this one.