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Economic Development Insight

Mixed-Use Redevelopment

- The Mixed-Use Concept
- Public Sector Involvement
- Industry Trends
- Examples

Mixed Use Examples

Belmar – Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood, Colorado, an inner southwestern suburb of Denver is home to a 106-acre mixed-use development currently being developed in phases, with retail, office, multi-family housing, and residential units including: live-work units; townhouses; apartments; and condominiums. Located on the site of Denver’s famed 1930s Belmar Estate, Villa Italia, at 1.6 million square feet, was the nation’s largest mall west of Chicago when it opened in 1966. In the early 1990s, sales and occupancy were on the decline. Contributing factors to the mall’s decline included changes in the marketplace, shifting demographics, new competition, and refinements within the retail industry. At its low point, the mall was 30-percent occupied.

Upon completion, the project will result in 19 pedestrian-oriented city blocks, including one million square feet of office space, one million square feet of retail space, 1,400 residences, a 250-room, full-service hotel, 9,700 parking spaces and four acres of parks, plaza and green space.

The mixed-use project replaces the old mall’s super block with a new interior street grid with smaller blocks, similar to surrounding neighborhoods. The project will require uniform building heights throughout. The pedestrian setting and central plaza is framed to a human scale by small buildings.

Overall, Belmar creates a sense of place for Lakewood residents who seek a town center in a suburb lacking identity. Demolition for the project began fall 2001, with an anticipated full build out completed in 2007.

First & Main Town Center - Hudson, Ohio

Nestled within historic downtown Hudson, Ohio with its century old clock tower and quaint Main Street shops, First & Main blends old-fashioned styling with high-fashion living – from dining and boutique shopping, to modern office space and townhomes. First & Main is a 200,000 square-foot, mixed-use development designed to blend seamlessly with the Western Reserve-style downtown shops. First & Main is a destination center, where people will come to work, shop, dine, and stroll along the charming streets lined with shops, bistros and businesses.

The First & Main development will expand Hudson’s historic shopping district, providing a new vitality to the City’s downtown. The initial vision to revitalize downtown Hudson was conceived in the City’s Comprehensive Plan in 1995 mandating the creation of a rejuvenated downtown Hudson restored to its former economic prominence.

The City selected the Development Company to help create the City’s vision for a unique retail and office development that incorporated green space with many pedestrian-friendly features and amenities. Thus began a unique public-private partnership that has created a development concept that will draw people back to the downtown, while preserving the historic character and Western Reserve Charm that is unique in Hudson.

Ground was broken on the project in May 2003 with completion scheduled for fall 2004.

Matt Shad
Deputy City Manager-Economic Development
City Manager's Office
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5046
www.ua-ohio.net