 The principles of Soviet urban planning that led to its growth have converged with the modern concept of "Smart growth".The "Šiaurės miestelis" section of Žirmūnai is growing rapidly and in 2007 was one of Vilnius' most sought-after residential and commercial areas.Many of the military structures that were built in the late 19th century in "Šiaurės miestelis" have been preserved and restored.