subURBAN!: Reimagining the Suburban Downtown
By : J. David Chapman/July 4, 2025
What happens when a suburb decides it wants something more—more connection, more walkability, more life in its downtown core? subURBAN! is my story, Edmond’s story, and ultimately a playbook for any community looking to bridge the gap between sleepy suburbia and vibrant urban energy.
For the past several years, I’ve been part of movement to transform downtown Edmond, Oklahoma—from serving on the city council to investing in short-term rentals, championing public art, advocating for rail, and supporting walkable development. Along the way, I’ve learned something powerful: suburban downtowns don’t have to settle for being afterthoughts. With vision, collaboration, and community willpower, they can become thriving centers of culture, commerce, and connection.
subURBAN! blends personal stories with practical insight. It’s rooted in the streets of Edmond but draws from national best practices in planning and development. I explore how cities—especially suburban ones—can reinvent their cores by making intentional, people-focused choices.
In the book, I dive into the big questions facing growing communities:
– How do we design places that make people feel welcome and inspired?
– What role do walkability, civic buildings, and cultural events play in downtown resurgence?
– Can we fix broken zoning, rethink parking, and make housing more attainable—without sacrificing quality of life?
– Why are third places—like coffee shops, breweries, and parks—so critical to belonging?
– How do we build places that combat loneliness and invite connection?
You’ll find chapters on housing, transit, public space, tax incentives, third places, faith, civic pride, festivals, and even parking. You’ll also find personal stories: from helping Redemption Church find new life in a repurposed garage to watching two old friends meet for coffee in matching convertibles downtown—things that don’t happen by accident but by design.
This is not just a book about Edmond. It’s a blueprint for any city that wants to breathe new life into its core and meet the modern demand for vibrant, walkable places.
Whether you're a city leader, a developer, a business owner, or a lifelong resident who wants something better for your community—subURBAN! offers both inspiration and action.
Order your copy today and let’s reimagine what suburban downtowns can be. Available now on Amazon (https://a.co/d/czt4VAZ ) or wherever books are sold.
Dr. J. David Chapman is Chair of Finance & Professor Real Estate at The University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu)