By OMC Staff Writers   Published Jan 04, 2001 at 12:00 PM

We knew we were doing something right and now one of the most respected voices in American urban studies has agreed.

Peter Katz, author of "New Urbanism, Toward an Architecture of Community," calls Milwaukee the most underrated city in America in The Utne Reader.

Here's what Katz says about Brew City:

"A classic rust belt city that's made a fresh start * Mayor John O. Norquist understands what makes cities work as well as anyone in America * A freeway that cuts through the heart of the city is being torn down * A thriving new neighborhood, EastPointe, has been built on land cleared for another freeway that was never built * A delightful river walk lines the Milwaukee River downtown * Great old industrial buildings are being converted to offices and lofts * Miles and miles of lakefront park are lined by architecturally distinguished neighborhoods * A new ballpark and a dazzling addition to the city's art museum are in the works * A wonderful tradition of ethnic festivals enlivens the town throughout the summer * Strong neighborhood redevelopment initiatives, good housing stock, and the best corner taverns in North America."

Other cities rounding out the top 10 are:
2. West Palm Beach
3. Louisville
4. Washington DC
5. Pittsburgh
6. Spokane
7. Chicago
8. Cincinnati
9. Richmond
10. Dallas

To read more, visit www.utne.com and visit the travel channel. Once there, click on "Hometown Soul."