City Builders

Susan S. Fainstein is professor of urban planning and policy development at Rutgers University. She is coauthor of Restructuring the City: The Political Economy of Urban Redevelopment and coeditor of The Tourist City and Readings in Planning Theory.

Fainstein’s updating of her work will retain the book’s position at the forefront of urban development literature."—Planning Theory & Practice"A truly exceptional book. Fainstein provides a rich theoretical standpoint to question the complex relationship that exists between politicians, community groups, developers, financiers, activists, and others in urban redevelopment."—Urban Affairs Review"Fainstein writes a very fascinating story about real estate development in New York and London. She gives not only attention to the role of local governmental authorities, the impact of globalisation, and the changing built environment of cities but also to the role of individuals in that process. This study is an essential reading for students in urban sociology, economic and planning. Instead of being outdated by the events of September 11 this study may teach us preeminently how to understand what is happening today, noting how real estate companies like Silverstein and others are already active and eager to make their profits in Lower Manhattan."—Housing Studies"An utterly unique book that offers new, powerful arguments about the interaction between governmental authority and property investment in the urban environment, the impact of globalization on urban economies, and the role of property markets in changing the built environment of cities."—Dennis R. Judd, coauthor of City Politics"A fascinating and important story that challenges conventional, radical and post-modern theories of property development."—Michael Harloe, coauthor of City Class and Capital"This is, more than ever, essential reading for any serious student of the contemporary city."—Peter Hall, author of Cities in Civilization