Fake cities to replace real cities?

The WSJ had a fascinating story yesterday about the rise of mini-cities as a means by which to combat sprawl.

Even though these faux downtowns contain tinges of suburbia, they’re taking advantage of a growing backlash against the sprawl that rings Dallas and other U.S. cities. The reaction began in the 1980s with the rise of New Urbanism, a movement of architects and planners calling for a return to traditional towns where people work, shop, live and play.

They are describing, in many ways, Albemarle Place. More on Albemarle Place’s development here.

Might Albemarle Place’s “New Main Street” (archived: 2008) supplant Charlottesville’s Main Street? Doubtful, but … they are nothing if not ambitious.

It’s the New Urbanism — a high-energy environment mixing private elegance with a wealth of entertainment and shopping options. Simply step outside your door onto pedestrian-friendly Main Street. You’ll find all that makes this community special: mountain views, a vibrant night life, specialty boutiques as well as convenient shopping within a single town center.

Mighty bold. With rising construction costs, rising interest rates and a general market cooling, how will these designs pan out?