Introduction
A mixed-use development is a real estate project with planned integration of some
combination of retail, office, residential, hotel, recreation or other functions. It is
pedestrian-oriented and contains elements of a live-work-play environment. It maximizes
space usage, has amenities and architectural expression and tends to mitigate traffic and
sprawl. This definition was presented at a recent conference on the topic sponsored by
four professional organizations in the real estate industry -- ICSC, NAIOP, NMHC &
BOMA.1
This definition of a mixed-use development contrasts to a multi-use development
that has two or more land uses on a single site but does not have the degree of project
planning and integration posited for a mixed-use development. In fact, integration of the
uses may be totally lacking. The live-work-play element is not present and the project is
not pedestrian oriented. A classic example of a multi-use project is a single site
developed with an unanchored strip center next to a small office building for tenants such
as insurance agents, dentists, doctors, etc.2
A mixed-use development is not a standardized product form. It can differ in
location because it can be built in an urban setting or a suburban setting. The density
levels are generally higher in an urban setting but not necessarily. It can differ in relation
to its surroundings. It can be a higher density infill project in an established urban setting
or it can be a development in the growth corridor in a suburban setting. It can also differ
in configuration. Consider the next paragraph.
A mixed-use development can take four general forms.
NAIOP Research Foundation 4
November 2007