Even before the pandemic, the trend of converting retail centers to include new uses was becoming popular. The rise of online retailers left retail centers with a need to adjust on the fly to remain relevant and profitable. It is no secret that the pandemic created even more challenges for these assets. But the pandemic also provided greater insight. HED designers found the inherent walkability of retail centers made them prime candidates for adaption and conversion into true lifestyle centers: adding a mix of uses and giving space and opportunity for creating experiences.?
Retail centers were planned to be a destination, roughly 16 to 20 miles apart in both traditional urban or suburban regional areas. With the rise of online shopping, we have seen the overall decline of use of these large footprint centers. HED explores how to create new neighborhoods or ‘lifestyle centers’ out of retail centers based on these seven principles:?
- Character | Character of a new lifestyle center Development refers to the unique identity and brand created. It includes the physical layout of the buildings and public spaces, the types of businesses and amenities, the target market, and demographics that the development is intended to serve and the overall vibe. The character of a new lifestyle center can influence how people perceive the development and contribute to its success as a place to live, work and play.?
- Community | In the context of new lifestyle centers, a community refers to a group of people who live, work and interact within an area surrounding the development. This can include local residents, business owners, employees and stakeholders who have a shared interest in the success and vibrancy of the lifestyle center. Community also refers to the sense of belonging and connection that people feel with each other and with the place they live.
- Safety | Safety in a lifestyle center development refers to the degree to which people can feel secure and protected from harm while living, working, and visiting the development. This would include physical safety from crime, intimidation, discrimination, and harassment but also concepts of walkability, proper lighting, surveillance, and the reduction of fraud opportunities. Safety is an important aspect of a well functioning lifestyle center development because it can affect people’s willingness to use and invest in the area, as well as their overall quality of life.?
- Restoration | The concept of restoration in a lifestyle center development refers to creating an environment that supports physical and mental health. This can be achieved through various means, including the design of public spaces, access to nature, and the availability of health and wellness services. One way that a lifestyle center development can support restoration and wellness is by providing safe and accessible opportunities for physical activity, such as walking and biking paths, fitness facilities, and parks. This can promote physical health and well-being by encouraging people to stay active and engage in outdoor recreation. Another way that a lifestyle development can support restoration and wellness is by incorporating nature into the design of the environment, such as through green spaces, trees, and water features. Exposure to nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and improving overall mood.??In addition, a lifestyle center development can support restoration and wellness by providing access to health and wellness services, such as medical clinics, mental health services, and healthy food options. This can help people maintain their physical and mental health by addressing their healthcare needs and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.?
- Opportunity | A new lifestyle center development can create opportunities in several ways. They can provide new jobs through the construction of buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces. This can stimulate economic growth and provide employment opportunities for residents, and the regional population. A new lifestyle center development can attract new businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, which can provide additional job opportunities and increase the range of goods and services available in the area. It can also can create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners to start or expand their businesses. This can be facilitated through the provision of affordable commercial spaces, mentorship programs, and access to funding. New lifestyle center developments can provide opportunities for community engagement and social interaction, creating a sense of belonging and connectedness within the community. This can be achieved through the design of public spaces, community events, and cultural programming.
