South Shore Park
Boston, MA
Located in the South Shore region, 18 miles from the city of Boston and straddling two municipalities of Rockland and Hingham, it is peripheral to the Town of Weymouth. Comprising approximately 700 residential units and 450,000 SF of retail in two separate developments, this was an opportunity to address and integrate each of the towns’ plans contributing to future growth of the South Shore region. Approximately 50% of the 170 acres is developable, the balance covered by wetlands. The overall site contained various corporate buildings, car dealerships, and a visibly dated 1970’s Industrial Park.
The analysis focused on the retail market, potential retail drivers, and socioeconomic overview including but not limited to consumer characteristics, psychographics, and spending variables to address the future consumer. Development guidelines were delivered that integrated analysis and conceptual programmatic solutions.
Key Takeaways:
(1) Characterizing the site with three distinct Districts walkable to one another that included the Industrial District, Eco-District, and the Commercial District.
(2) To achieve successful activation, it required creating a network of public places defined by building clusters, public spaces, roadways and walkways.
(3) Established a narrative of experiences and moments of engagement that respect and enhanced the wetlands and the ecology of the site (natural environment).
(4) Established a walkable small town aesthetic for the essential Neighborhood Center, and an experiential resort-like Town Center animated with various key drivers.
(5) Planned the integration of various housing types that responded to the local communities demand providing higher density, diversity, and a greater attraction to the solo-preneur (i.e., forthcoming younger generation of entrepreneurs working as a single individual).
South Village
Claremont, CA
Claremont is a quant historic village on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, California, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. This 12-acre transit-oriented development neighborhood entails eight buildings (i.e., two mixed-use buildings with apartments, three mixed-use buildings with condos, one office building, and one historic building repurposed as a Market Hall), totaling 750 residential units and approximately 100,000 SF of street front retail. Claremont is known as the home of trees and degrees with seven colleges activating the village district.
An emerging opportunity and challenge nationwide are establishing successful yet smaller retail components for mixed-use developments in both urban and suburban markets. The objective is to safeguard developers from wasting time, capital and resources, encouraging and facilitating a multi-disciplinary collaboration, and streamlining the design and procurement phases.
Meeting the demands of the future consumer and activating the public realm to promote length of stay by visitors is key for any development. Identifying consumer tendencies within the region and establishing priorities within known opportune categories were grounded in research and the realities of the market.
Key Takeaways:
(1) Top categories for expansion are primarily those that are less disrupted by eCommerce: beauty/cosmetics, specialty grocery, activewear apparel and boutique fitness and health.
(2) Flex space was factored into the program to allow for the retail to evolve, as there is a fine balance between forcing curation versus reacting to spontaneous life and unexpected experiences – and the design should support that.
(3) The consistent leasing pattern with developments of this size and nature requires identifying the drivers in specific categories from retail, food and beverage, personal care/wellness, and contacting local and regional tenants early is vital.
(4) Start programming and planning early activation for specific spaces (e.g., alleys, paseos, streets, and plazas, etc.), as well as diverse demographics (i.e., different ages, social status, income, etc.).
(5) A merchandising plan was developed that put forth a distinct point of view for the overall site with a ground floor game plan for each phase, block, and space offering underwriting for implementation of the retail space.
State Street Village
Redlands, CA
Redlands is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located 45 mile west of Palm Springs and 63 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. One of California’s oldest cities offering a historic downtown and university, it is often called the jewel of the Inland Empire. A town known for its historic Victorian houses, boutique shopping and nightlife.
The development program comprises approximately 750 multifamily residences and 75,000 SF of street front retail. A Comprehensive Plan for the Retail Leasing Strategy for State Street Village was developed to meet the market demand and boost the regional visitation, providing a more seamless and resilient development.
Key Takeaways:
(1) Redlands Mall has been closed for over 20 years, and State Street Village must be perceived as an extension of the Historic Village and not a compromised development.
(2) Smaller spaces and larger outdoor spaces are strategically planned to maximize merchandising options and dining experiences.
(3) Identifying the expected and intended audiences and choreography of their time and experiences that fill a day, is key to the merchandising and targeted leasing effort.
(4) The small-town neighborhood culture should be pursued along with better regional merchants and selected national tenants that can take the retail offerings to a higher level.
(5) The food experience must be distinct and experiential to elevate the experience and broaden the appeal of the destination as consistent visitation is a key factor to establishing a successful destination.