The Evolution of a Commercial Strip

Abstract

This case study investigates the evolution of an arterial commercial strip along a previously residential street in a medium-sized American city. The hypothesis that gasoline stations and other automobile-oriented businesses first colonized the street on a block by block basis is supported. However, equally meaningful relationships between commercial land uses and shifts to multiple - family, absentee-owned housing are also examined as are the relationships between the street's changing social makeup and commercial reorientation. A five stage model of strip development is proposed.