Urban Foundry with Andrew Urban Andrew Urban

Andrew Urban and Paige O'Neal discuss various summer festivals in Indiana, including the Indiana State Fair and Sausage Fest. They also discuss the very real reluctance to return to work after summer vacation, share childhood summer memories, and concerns about shark attacks due to environmental changes. The conversation wraps up with personal anecdotes about fears of swimming and hiking.

In this episode of Urban Foundry, Andrew shares his experiences from a recent trip to Vancouver, BC. He discusses the unique cultural vibe of the Pacific Northwest, the challenges of navigating the city’s expensive residential market, and his impressions of the local transit system and weather. He also highlights key market insights, including Vancouver's booming industrial sector despite difficulties in development due to stringent permitting processes. The episode wraps up with an overview of the city's inclusivity and natural beauty, alongside reflections on the contrasts between city life and outdoor adventures in regions like Vancouver and Seattle.

Andrew shares his recent experiences from a week-long trip to Japan, and discusses the current real estate landscape in Tokyo, including housing affordability crises, office vacancy rates, and the emerging trend of hybrid workplaces and amenity floors. Andrew also touches on cultural dynamics, Japan's exceptional mastery of French and Italian cuisines, and the broader economic shifts influenced by global politics. 

We're taking you back to the future as we revisit the best of Urban Foundry and a conversation about the future of the US economy. In this episode, we're thrilled to have two economic experts, Jacob Everett and Steve Brunson, engage in a debate about the economic future of 2035, the potential opportunities, and the challenges that lie ahead.

This episode focuses on doom loops in downtown real estate markets, particularly in St. Louis and Detroit. We discuss articles from the Wall Street Journal by Conrad Puget that highlight the contrasting urban renewal efforts in these cities. The narrative centers on how post-1950s 'white flight' and economic decisions have historically led to downtown decay in American cities, emphasizing how Detroit's downtown has seen a resurgence thanks to investments from affluent families and businesses. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities faced by urban retailers and the potential of suburban-style planning in revitalizing urban centers.

What is the impact of millennials aging into the economy? Andrew Urban and Paige O'Neil explore how younger millennials are finally hitting major life milestones such as marriage and home-buying, challenges posed by the housing market, and the influence of COVID-19 on accelerating these trends. Touching on the real estate recession and the reluctance of older generations to sell their homes, the conversation expands to cover the broader implications of shifting demographics, including the pressure on urban planning, housing affordability, and the transformation of commercial real estate. How can millennials and Generation Z to adapt to and change these dynamics through innovation in housing and lifestyle choices? Listen now.