99% Invisible The Containment Plan (rebroadcast)
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Jul 2, 2024 
Avery Troubleman, a community organizer with deep ties to Los Angeles, dives into the origins of the term 'Skid Row', potentially linking it to Seattle. The conversation highlights the deliberate urban planning that segregates the homeless community from development. Troubleman unveils how residents and allies actively shaped the space they occupy, pushing back against gentrification. Themes of socio-economic disparity, historical context, and the ethical dilemmas of urban design come to the forefront, capturing the complexities of Skid Row's evolution.
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Skid Row's Vastness
- Skid Row in Los Angeles spans 50 blocks, a fifth of downtown.
- It's filled with makeshift homes, trash, and a distinct smell.
The Dividing Line
- The edge of Skid Row is clearly defined, separating it from the rest of downtown.
- This division is intentional, a result of urban planning.
Skid Row's Origins
- Skid Row developed around the railroad and produce markets in the early 20th century, attracting a transient population.
- Initially, it consisted of cheap apartments and SROs, with fewer homeless people than today.