PROVO — Provo's efforts to preserve the old while promoting the new have landed the city on a list of the country's "top 10 best downtowns."

Researchers at Livability.com ranked cities' downtown areas based on factors like population growth and the ratio of residents to jobs. Provo came in at No. 4, with Livability referencing the city's recent development projects and local businesses as some of its greatest assets.

"Downtown Provo blends the old with the new to maintain the character that draws thousands of residents and visitors each year while offering modern services and high-level entertainment," the researchers wrote.

They specifically referenced the city's Block 70 project, which is intended to create new housing and business opportunities, the new Utah Valley Convention Center, and the $80 million NuSkin construction project. Work on the former Provo Tabernacle was also noted in the rankings.

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"The builders of a new temple in downtown Provo, Utah, are so committed to preserving the historic architecture of the area that they put the old Tabernacle on stilts in order to salvage it while adding two floors below," they wrote. "The Provo City Center Temple is an example of the many ongoing or recently completed development projects that continue to improve the look of downtown while enhancing residents' quality of life and attracting new businesses."

Provo's population grew by 33 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to Livability.

The top 10 best downtowns:

1. Fort Worth, Texas
2. Providence, R.I.
3. Indianapolis
4. Provo
5. Alexandria, Va.
6. Frederick, Md.
7. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
8. Bellingham, Wash.
9. Eugene, Ore.
10. Birmingham, Ala.

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