Mixed-use development refers to urban landscapes which integrate commercial, residential and public spaces for maximum sustainability and livability. Reviving town centers is part of this approach as is improving efficiency and sustainability for greater longevity of living environments.
Civil engineers play an integral part in designing and developing multi-use developments. Here are some key areas they can assist with:.
Urban Planning and Design
An urban neighborhood where residents work and play together fosters a sense of community while increasing opportunities for social connectivity and sustainability. By decreasing travel distance and encouraging walkability and public transit use, this concept fosters a strong sense of place.
Local governments can encourage mixed-use development by identifying market-ready redevelopment opportunities and reviewing and updating zoning, subdivision, land use and other land development codes. They may also implement innovative parking management approaches that support mixed-use redevelopment while shortening trips and providing alternative forms of transportation.
Community visioning exercises can assist communities in identifying areas with demand for mixed-use development. Examples may include downtowns and village centers with infill redevelopment opportunities, existing shopping center/strip mall sites that could accommodate new retail/residential uses or large sites that need Village Plan Alternative (VPA)/Planned Unit Development (PUD). When these areas have been identified, communities can then create plans designed to foster their mixed-use development within these designated zones.
Civil Engineering
Mixed-use development projects provide an alternative to monofunctional real estate properties, whether redeveloping inner city commercial districts or new building in urban and suburban communities. By combining residential and commercial spaces into neighborhoods that combine them more conveniently for residents while decreasing commute times.
Community master plans often feature diverse housing options to cater to a range of income levels and household sizes, while providing opportunities for socialization via public spaces. Furthermore, utilizing revenue-generating commercial and residential uses to protect against downturns in certain sectors.
McClure assists communities in identifying and implementing mixed-use strategies through comprehensive plans or visioning processes. For more information about how we can assist your area in creating a mixed-use neighborhood, reach out to us now.
Building Design
Building design involves crafting buildings that are both comfortable and functional for their occupants, following various rules and regulations to ensure fire safety, accessibility for all, as well as strong structures capable of withstanding various weather conditions.
Mixed-use buildings typically consist of commercial space on the first floor and apartments or offices on upper levels, typically from shops on one end and apartments above on another. This could range from single buildings with retail shops on both floors to larger “urban village” developments with multiple buildings within them.
Mixed-use developments are gaining in popularity as they provide convenience for occupants while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle. By having amenities such as retail shops, grocery stores, healthcare facilities and office spaces within walking distance it reduces carbon emissions from transportation; additionally, multiple income streams from office spaces and apartments help stabilize revenue for property owners.