Jane Jacobs: I used to live in her neighbourhood

Jane Jacobs has passed away at the tender age of 89.

I have a funny story about Jane. I was a big fan. She inspired me after reading The Economy of Cities during university. Years later, while I lived in the Annex district of Toronto, I found out she lived a mere 2 blocks from me. (actually American, Jane and her family moved to Canada to avoid the draft for her two sons) After being invited to be part of the Creative 1o0 (a project inspired by Richard Florida's Rise of the Creative Class), I thought I'd dazzle the other attendees with an interview with Jane.

I looked up her number and tried several times to call, to no avail. One day, whilst wandering through my neighbourhood, I decided to just drop by and make my introduction. I know. It's a big city, Tara...but, hell. I'm a small-town girl, where neighbours drop in on neighbours all of the time.

It wasn't a good idea after all. Jane was hard at work in her attic study and walked down several levels of stairs to come to the door. That was only 4 years ago. She was 85. A brilliant, sharp 85, but not too happy (or agile) to walk down levels of stairs to greet an overzealous fan. Needless to say, my first impression to Jane wasn't great and I didn't get that stellar interview.

A couple of months later, I saw here on television, talking about her newest book. She was so brilliant. Way before her time. I wish I had kept trying that phone number.

Jane will be missed by the world, but her theories are as relevant today as always. I highly recommend her books. She's left quite the legacy.

via: Ben Hammersley

[tags: janejacobs, urbanstudies]