The End of the Suburbs – Where the American Dream is Moving. That’s the title of the newest book by Leigh Gallagher, Assistant Managing Editor of FORTUNE Magazine, and the topic of much interest at the 13^th Annual Commercial Real Estate Deal Maker Forum held this morning in Cleveland. The event was co-sponsored by Ulmer & Berne LLP, Colliers International and Inside Business Magazine.

Leigh enlightened an audience of over 300 real estate and civic professionals on the dynamic forces leading to a return to urban living. And, of course, an increase in urban core residential occupancy is good not only for the housing industry, but for the retail and other commercial development that it spurs.

But as Leigh stated, “This doesn’t mean the end of the suburbs…just the end of the suburbs as we now know them.” Using a power point presentation of past and present communities across the country, Leigh showed the audience how suburbs are recasting themselves as “urban suburbs” with a “main street” feel, more work-live options and the incorporation of New Urbanism approaches to town planning.

Leigh is a frequent guest on NPR’s Marketplace as well as MSNBC’s Morning Joe and other national media outlets.

The End of the Suburbs is a great read with just the right amount of statistical support mixed in with anecdotal evidence to provide a convincing view of where this country is moving with its housing options. Those in attendance received a free copy of the book. We eagerly look forward to Leigh Gallagher’s next effort.