Mixed-use development is a futuristic idea that has the potential to create strong neighborhood pride and reduce transportation costs, in addition to many other benefits. Making residential, office, and commercial space readily available in specifically zoned neighborhoods or in strictly commercial buildings would greatly integrate the community and alleviate traffic and transportation hassles. Below are the four most inspiring opportunities for change to utilize mixed-use development to its fullest potential.

Malls

Shopping malls take up an enormous amount of space solely for business purposes. The addition of residential houses and office buildings would greatly reduce transportation needs. Residential options in strip malls would likely attract higher-paying tenants, as cleanliness standards would be very high. By offering these tenants the opportunity to rent within a strip mall, you can lower the rental price of expensive apartments, making them more affordable for middle-class renters.

Hotels

With the ability to offer exclusive homes in prominent hotels, wealthy families would be able to interact with visitors to the city, which, in turn, would strengthen the community and the likelihood that visitors would return. There would also be a great incentive to keep the hotel as clean and elegant as possible to please its residents and impress visitors. As mentioned with strip malls, this can open up more rental opportunities for middle-income tenants that are typically occupied by wealthy tenants.

Office

Similar to offering residential options in a hotel, apartments in office buildings could be a source of smaller units and cheaper monthly rents, while maintaining a clean and professional space. Offering residential options in an office would likely appeal to roommates or singles looking to minimize the cost of their rent while staying in a clean space. Office workers who live in the same building where they work would not need to spend money on a daily commute.

neighborhood commercial

Allowing commercial properties to occupy space in strictly residential zones would be a great benefit to the community and business owners. The presence of commercial businesses in residential areas would facilitate transportation for the customer and increase foot traffic for the business owner. Thanks to the integration of the mixed-use development, families could walk across the street for a gallon of milk instead of having to get in the car and drive. As with the other development ideas, this would greatly reduce transportation costs and congestion.

While it would be difficult to rezon many of the strictly zoned neighborhoods and commercial areas, it would be a worthwhile effort for the benefits to be gained. Towns and cities would become more integrated, and there is a chance that crime could drop due to decreased spatial segregation. Instead of having areas designated for low-income housing or office buildings, everyone would be better mixed and integrated.