Plan Each Use So It Can Survive On Its Own

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Mixed-use projects create synergies that provide mutual support for the various activities on site. However, projects succeed where there is independent market demand for each use – the projects do not create demand where none exists; nor do they fully support on-site uses. Some people argue that residents within the new town district will support the retail that is developed. They will, but not at levels that sustain the retail uses. The amount of residential development in a mixed-use center can only support a very small share of the retail space. Fundamentally, the broader community or regional retail market drives the success of the retail space. The residential uses extend the viability and hours of operation of the retail but do not act as an anchor of the larger project.

Housing in the mixed-use environment contributes to the character of the town center, distinguishing it from traditional malls and more synthetic “lifestyle” centers. Together, housing and offices help support desirable uses such as restaurants, which benefit from a walking-distance population of customers for both lunch and dinner business. As restaurants are able to sustain business from the day into the evening, the offerings grow from breakfast counters and chain sandwich outlets to fine-dining cafes offering diverse fare. Over time, the large employment component at Belmar will provide a valuable example of the benefits to other town center tenants of on-site generators. Still other activities, notably civic uses, will bring people to the site and expose them to the range of activities offered.

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Last edited by TeganDowling. Based on work by JeffBarke and JamesCarlson.  Page last modified on July 26, 2005