SMBH Does That: Mixed-Use Edition

More and more of our clients are choosing mixed-use buildings to accommodate a wide variety of reasons and solutions.

Mixed-use projects are popular nowadays, but these buildings have been around for a long time. One of the earliest examples is Trajan's Market in ancient Rome (100-110 AD), which included shops and apartments built in a multi-level structure. Mixed-use buildings have thrived since, serving as the standard before the implementation of modern zoning and land-use practices, which assigned land uses according to function and separated them. This made mixed-use buildings rare in new developments from approximately 1910 to 1950. It re-emerged in the 1960s and 70s as large-scale projects as a tool for urban revitalization, but it was reduced in scale by the end of the 1980s to integrate them with historic preservation efforts better. Since the 1990s, mixed-use has focused on becoming a key component of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), Livable Communities, and Smart Group principles.*

Today's approaches to mixed-use are concerned with increasing the intensity and diversity of land uses and integrating segregated uses.* This approach has multiple benefits: it activates areas during more hours of the day, increases housing options for diverse household types, reduces auto dependence, increases travel options, and creates a sense of place. Blending residential, commercial, cultural, and sometimes even industrial spaces all into one area, mixed-use development isn't just trendy—it's transformative. Here's why it's impressive and why more communities are embracing it.

Walkability Increases Quality of Life

Because mixed-use developments are designed around walkability, people can live near where they work, shop, dine, and play, which cuts down on car dependency. That means less traffic, lower emissions, and more time spent actually enjoying life instead of being stuck in a commute. Plus, walkable neighborhoods tend to feel more alive and connected, encouraging spontaneous interaction and a stronger sense of community.

Revitalizing Communities

In many cases, mixed-use projects are in previously underutilized or declining areas—think vacant lots, old malls, or run-down industrial zones. Mixed-use developments breathe new life into cities by turning these spaces into vibrant, multifunctional hubs. Local economies get a boost, and property values often rise, benefiting residents and investors alike.

Sustainability at Its Core

At its heart, mixed-use development is about efficiency—using land more wisely and reducing the need for excessive infrastructure. By concentrating activity in one area, these developments reduce the environmental impact of sprawl. People are more likely to take public transportation, bike, or walk, all of which are great for the planet.

Diverse, Inclusive Neighborhoods

When housing, retail, and public spaces coexist, they attract a wider range of people. Mixed-use areas can support a mix of income levels, lifestyles, and businesses. This fosters diversity and encourages more inclusive communities. Imagine a place where a tech worker, a local artist, and a small business owner all live and work side-by-side—sounds like a great neighborhood, right?

Convenience and Community in One Package

Having everything you need within arm's reach isn't just a luxury—it's smart urban planning. Need to grab groceries, meet a friend for coffee, and get a haircut? You can do all three without ever leaving your block. And because so many people live and work in the same area, there's a built-in sense of community. Over time, neighbors become friends, and the area takes on a unique character that's hard to replicate in purely residential or commercial zones.

Boosting Local Economies

When businesses are woven directly into the fabric of where people live, they get more foot traffic, more regular customers, and more community support. It's a win-win: residents get easy access to services, and small businesses thrive in a steady, supportive ecosystem. The economic resilience that comes from this setup is especially important in times of uncertainty.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Urban Living

Mixed-use development isn't just a planning trend—it's a reflection of how people want to live. Dynamic, walkable, sustainable, and community-driven, these spaces offer a better blueprint for modern life. As cities face the challenges of climate change, affordability, and population growth, mixed-use development offers a practical, beautiful solution that works for people, businesses, and the planet.

Let's keep building up, not out—and let's do it together.

Sources:

• http://designforhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DPmixed_use.pdf
• Jill Grant, 2002. Mixed Use in Theory and Practice APA Journal 68, no. 1:74-84