You will find a mixed-use development throughout the Garden State, including Newark, Holmdel, and even Parsippany where Seth A. Leeb Architecture is based. New Jersey Mixed-Use Developers (MXD), an affiliate of the New Jersey Builders Association (NJBA), expect an increased demand for mixed-use spaces as the desire for “live-work-play” communities increases.
Seth A. Leeb Architecture is a commercial architect in New Jersey that also serves residential clients. We balance creativity with commerce and work on all types of commercial projects, including tenant fit-outs, exterior makeovers, and completely new buildings. We discuss the concept of mixed-use developments in this article, highlight a few examples, and share how our expertise can contribute to your development.
What Is Mixed-Use Development?
The New Jersey government defines it as “any development which includes both a non-residential development component and a residential development component, for which there is a common developer for both components.” The intent is to provide a development offering residential housing within the same building as retail and commercial spaces or within walking distance of them. Mixed-use properties offer convenience and maximize the available space by providing offices, shops, restaurants, cultural and entertainment spaces to people working or living nearby. It can also be a transit-oriented development (TOD) offering leisure, residential and business space within walking distance of public transport. The development in question can be in a multi-story building, cover a town block, or even a city district.
Benefits of Mixed-Use Development
For one, it is a sustainable choice as people walk to work or a restaurant rather than driving, which reduces carbon emissions and air pollution. Upgrading existing buildings is the most environmentally friendly option because it’s an efficient use of land space. Mixed-use developments also benefit the health of the occupants because people walk between residential, commercial or cultural spaces. Speaking of, occupants can also contribute to the local economy by shopping within their community. Mixed-use developments also keep jobs within the local economy.
Have a Look at the Best Mixed-Use Developments
It’s tough to pinpoint the best mixed-use developments as tastes differ, but we will highlight three we feel represent the industry’s diversity.
District 15 Fifteen is a new luxury apartments and retail development within easy reach of downtown Morristown, NJ. The town center enclave offers a shopping and culinary experience while being a transit-friendly neighborhood.
Bell Works is a reimagination of the historic modernist former Bell Labs building in Holmdel, NJ. It is a large-scale mixed-use building called a metroburb and offers office, retail, entertainment, residential, hospitality, health, and wellness spaces.
Hudson Yards in New York is the perfect example of a mixed-use district development. The pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented district includes housing and commercial spaces.
How to Come up With a Mixed-Use Development Plan in NJ
Mixed-use developments have drawbacks compared to single-use buildings as you need more market research, the costs are higher, construction is more complex, and the project timelines are longer. When you need to come up with a mixed-use development plan in New Jersey, consider Seth A. Leeb, a professional and experienced commercial design architect. We have deep experience in the design, budgetary, and regulatory requirements of commercial building projects in NJ, and our full-service commercial architecture design firm offers a personal service.
Seth A. Leeb is an award-winning architect with more than 25 years of experience serving commercial and residential NJ clients. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your mixed-use development. You can also visit our website at: https://leeb-architecture.com/