Curbed

Curbed Logo

Curbed is a real estate and urban design blog network founded by Lockhart Steele in 2004. The network covers topics related to the real estate industry, architecture, urban planning, transportation, and urban design across various cities in the United States. Curbed was initially launched to explore the neighborhoods of New York City through the lens of real estate development, housing issues, and community changes. Over time, it expanded its coverage to include cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, among others. The platform has become known for its in-depth analysis, community engagement, and comprehensive coverage of urban development issues.

History

Curbed began as a single blog focused on New York City real estate news, founded by Lockhart Steele, a former editor at Gawker Media. The success of the New York site led to the expansion of Curbed into other cities, each with its dedicated website to cover local real estate, architecture, and urban planning news. The network's growth mirrored the increasing public interest in urbanism and the dynamics of city living.

In 2013, Curbed, along with sister sites Eater (covering food and dining) and Racked (focusing on retail and shopping), was acquired by Vox Media, a significant player in the digital media landscape. This acquisition allowed Curbed to further expand its editorial scope and leverage Vox Media's technology and audience reach to enhance its content delivery and user experience.

Content and Coverage

Curbed's content spans a wide range of topics related to urban life and development. Key areas of coverage include:

• Real Estate: News and analysis on housing markets, real estate developments, property investments, and housing policies.
• Architecture: Features on significant architectural projects, interviews with architects, and discussions on architectural trends.
• Urban Planning: Examination of city planning initiatives, transportation infrastructure, public spaces, and policies affecting urban growth and sustainability.
• Neighborhood Guides: In-depth guides to various neighborhoods, focusing on their history, character, and community dynamics.
• Transportation: Coverage of issues related to public transit, cycling, pedestrian infrastructure, and urban mobility solutions.

Impact and Reception

Curbed has been recognized for its engaging storytelling and detailed coverage of complex urban issues. Its approach to urban journalism has attracted a dedicated readership, including urban planners, architects, real estate professionals, and residents interested in the future of their cities. The platform has also been credited with influencing public discourse on urban development and contributing to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary cities.

See Also

• Urban Planning
• Real Estate
• Architecture
• Vox Media