redevelopment
ree-dih-VEL-up-munt
/ˌriː.dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/
The construction or remodeling of buildings and infrastructure in an urban area to replace declining conditions.
Focuses on large-scale, planned structural transformation, often driven by public-private real estate investments.
The story behind the word. Combines the prefix 're-' with 'develop' (derived from Old French 'desveloper', meaning to unwrap). Thus, redevelopment literally means 'unwrapping' or unfolding a site's potential a second time.
Word relationships
- reconstruction: Reconstruction implies rebuilding after destruction (war, disaster), while redevelopment implies economic and physical upgrading of stagnant land.
- renewal: Renewal is a broader concept that can include economic policies, whereas redevelopment focuses specifically on physical construction.
- preservation: The act of keeping buildings in their original state without major changes.
- abandonment: Leaving properties without maintenance or use.
Commonly confused with
- renovation: Renovation updates existing structures, whereas redevelopment often involves demolishing old buildings to construct completely new ones.
Word family
- redevelop (verb): To develop an area again with modern buildings or infrastructure.
- developer (noun): A person or company that buys land and builds property on it.
Collocations
- redevelopment agency
- urban redevelopment
- redevelopment plan
- waterfront redevelopment
Idioms & expressions
- ground-up reconstruction
Example sentences
- "The proposed waterfront redevelopment plan includes mixed-income housing, parkland, and public transit hubs." Municipal planning release
- "Urban redevelopment projects frequently attract private investment but require oversight to protect tenants." Economic policy analysis
Memory hook
RE (again) + DEVELOP (build) = building anew on old ground. Building over the past.
When not to use
Do not use for small home repairs like repainting a bedroom.
Fun facts
- Post-WWII redevelopment programs in American cities led to the construction of the modern Interstate Highway System right through urban cores.
Related words
Explore more words
revitalization, blight, urbanize, gentrification, renovation, brownfield
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