By repurposing existing retail centers into mixed-use developments, often called ‘lifestyle centers,’ city and regional planners can address these changing consumer dynamics head on while still satisfying local and regional needs.

A mixed-use development has the potential to transform an area into a regional destination by creating a vibrant and dynamic environment that attracts people from near and far. Such a development combines different types of land uses including residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, healthcare, commercial, and recreational, into a cohesive and interconnected space offering a multitude of amenities and experiences.

With proper planning, these mixed uses offer opportunities to create a modern nexus that supports regional development and evolution. Since retail centers had their own gravity for years, adding new uses as part of a conversion to a lifestyle center reinvigorates the concept of the location as a destination and supplements it with a new local population within the residential component of the development. Download our considerations below!

The absence of affordable housing in communities across the United States has placed significant strain on career educators, particularly those just beginning their vocations who may be burdened with significant student loan debt. The pandemic has compounded the strains already present in the profession, and many educators are opting to leave the occupation altogether.

Workforce housing initiatives contribute to the retention and overall well-being of teachers by significantly reducing the financial burden and stress levels of the educators. Dedicated workforce housing developments offer numerous advantages for teachers and the communities they serve.

Explore strategies we believe can help below. 

Even before the pandemic, the trend of converting retail centers to include new uses was becoming popular. The rise of online retailers left retail centers with a need to adjust on the fly to remain relevant and profitable. It is no secret that the pandemic created even more challenges for these assets.

But the pandemic also provided greater insight. The inherent walkability of retail centers made them prime candidates for adaption and conversion into true lifestyle centers: adding a mix of uses and giving space and opportunity for creating experiences.

Explore the 7 essential live / work / play lifestyle center considerations and design best practices for retail center conversions below.