Abandoned buildings: a stochastic analysis

Article Abstract:

A model of building life cycles is constructed in order to understand the phenomenon of building abandonment. The reasons for the high incidence of boarded up, forfeited or demolished buildings in many American cities are analyzed through a framework that models building life cycles in the context of uncertainty. Under this framework, forfeiture or demolition becomes an optimal choice because private owners have a forfeiture alternative. This allows suboptimal reconstruction and maintenance, and too many demolitions. Building abandonment raises concerns about how city governments should manage such properties. The costs in terms of homelessness and inefficiency, and the impact of aggregation are areas that should be studied. One of the second-best solutions worth examining in future research is optimal code enforcement.

Research, Economic aspects, Buildings, Abandonment of property, Abandonment (Law)

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Invention is the mother of necessity: Gutenberg didn't invent the printing press - and other surprises from 1,000 years of ingenuity

Article Abstract:

The printing press may be the single best invention of the last thousand years. It allows more people to read, quickly, documents such as Martin Luther's 95 Theses, the Declaration of Independence and the Communist Manifesto. The invention of the printing press is credited to Gutenberg, though he may more accurately accredited with contributing to the previously-created printing technique.

History, Inventions, Printing-press, Printing presses

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Quintessential Connecticut

Article Abstract:

A drive through Connecticut's roads reveals many old homes still in working condition and reflecting the local commitment to historic preservation. Local buildings worth visiting include the 1740 Glebe House, the Toll Gate Hill Inn and a covered bridge in West Cornwall.

Description and travel, Connecticut, Historic buildings

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