There has been a recent push (last 5-7 years or so) to develop pocket
sort of communities to attract people to downtown again (Washington Ave
Loft district, Laclede's landing, etc) with differing levels of
success.

Yeah, most larger cities are trying this approach, with varying degrees of
success.

Even Iowa City is developing an area into an "old-fashioned" neighborhood,
with the houses close to the street, front porches, and no garages allowed
to be facing the street. Very 1940s-ish. The zoning is very strict, and --
so far -- the concept has proven to be fairly unpopular.

I think most commentators have missed the REAL reason people have "fled" to
the suburbs. It has less to do with crime, and more to do with wanting a
little land. Personally, I look at these beautiful, newly developed homes
and think "nice house -- where's the back yard"?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"