Just a thread to discuss random WIs surrounding the growth and development of cities and their architecture as well.
Ill begin with two different ones.
During the early 1900s Los Angeles had a major spat over both water rights and the location of their major port. City officials were split between placing the port at San Pedro or at Santa Monica, with each choice being backed by a seperate railroad. OTL San Pedro won out which is why Los Angeles city limits look so strange. As a result, Santa Monica became a beach resort and San Pedro became the industrial port. In this situation, the two get switched, resulting in the complete change in the urban fabric of the Los Angeles Basin.
The fates of Lake City, Florida and Gainesville, FL can be completely changed by keeping the University of Florida in Lake City. OTL UF was moved to Gainesville because Lake City couldnt guarantee the university a source of fresh water. Gainesville offered the university free fresh water for life which enticed the university to move permanently from Lake City.
Ill begin with two different ones.
During the early 1900s Los Angeles had a major spat over both water rights and the location of their major port. City officials were split between placing the port at San Pedro or at Santa Monica, with each choice being backed by a seperate railroad. OTL San Pedro won out which is why Los Angeles city limits look so strange. As a result, Santa Monica became a beach resort and San Pedro became the industrial port. In this situation, the two get switched, resulting in the complete change in the urban fabric of the Los Angeles Basin.
The fates of Lake City, Florida and Gainesville, FL can be completely changed by keeping the University of Florida in Lake City. OTL UF was moved to Gainesville because Lake City couldnt guarantee the university a source of fresh water. Gainesville offered the university free fresh water for life which enticed the university to move permanently from Lake City.