“Developers in Tijuana would build entire neighborhoods of generic 400-square-foot houses — miniature versions of suburban America,” Mr. Cruz said in an interview. “What I noticed is how quickly these developments were retrofitted by the tenants.” Informal businesses like mechanics’ shops and taco stands would quickly sprout up on the front lawns and between the houses, transforming them into highly layered spaces.

Learning from Tijuana, applying mixed-use and immigrant-inspired architecture to the Hudson Valley in an effort to fight gentrification and displacement. An idea fantastic in its seeming unlikelihood. That’s not a word is it? Tip of the hat to Lauren for the link.