In my city, which is backwards in many ways, they're converting old warehouses and office buildings to upscale condos and co-ops in the downtown area. So far they are co-existing with the low-income housing that's already there. Now all they need is some "real stores" (groceries, hardwares, pharmacies, etc.) to go with the downtown clubs and restaurants. Then, downtown Lansing would be very desirable for carfree and carlite people. The key, in the opinion of many progressive planners, is to have mixed-zone areas so people can live, work, study and shop within walking distance.