The Design District
Sweet Streetcars
Don’t need to guess which city is noted as shining example for visionary use of streetcar.
This from an article in the NY Times, Downtowns Across the U.S. See Streetcars in Their Futures.
Streetcar advocates point to Portland, Ore., which built the first major modern streetcar system in the United States, in 2001, and has since added new lines interlaced with a growing light rail system. Since Portland announced plans for the system, more than 10,000 residential units have been built and $3.5 billion has been invested in property within two blocks of the line
Yes, yes, multiple and various benefits which have contributed to shaping the downtown I love, but let us not forget the aesthetic benefits of our lovely Skoda streetcars cruising 10th, 11th, etceteras. My appreciation for the streetcar compares with the irrationally positive feelings I have for the tram, seeing both as elements of utilitarian beauty in the urbanscape.
Haven’t taken the time to stop and admire them lately? Lots of photos here here.
I was a daily Muni rider in SF in the early 90s, but at the time, the streetcars were still sporting a raggedy 70s colorscheme (rust). I missed their being replaced by their mod silver sisters. On rare occasions, Muni would take its vintage streetcars for a spin, like our Council Crest trolley with its wicker seats (are they wicker? I think so), their design trumping that of the contemporary cars many times over.
♥ Skoda.
