Quote:
Originally Posted by PHXFlyer11
Well said. It amounts to most developers building housing being residential developers. They know the economics of residential and have far less risk when they fill the first floor with something they know they can lease out. I'm all for ground retail, I'm just saying alot of developers only provide for that if they are forced as there is more risk in it for them.
|
Yea, I understand why developers do it and the risks, etc. But, other cities gentrified, as well, and did so with mixed-use buildings -- how were they able to do it? That's a real question.
I forgot that they are leaving some buildings on-site that could potentially house businesses in the future, but I guess I just feel like there has to at least be some sort of compromise that gets the City the bones it needs for a walkable environment. Roosevelt, parts of Central, etc. are literally going to be lined with leasing center after leasing center. The lobby for Alliance's project on Roosevelt is at least 8,000 square feet -- how do they not lose more on that than if they gave up 2,000 of that for a retail space that sat vacant for 6 months?
I just think certain streets should require at least enough space for a small cafe/restaurant/gallery. The entire appeal of Roosevelt Row was that it was one of the few true shopping-type streets. Vacancy has to be extremely low in the area right now, so I feel like the City had the upper hand in having Baron at least provide 5 live/work units or something? Likewise, I don't think every building in the govt. mall needs to have retail, but this one stood out to be because its adjacent to the only really nice space in the area which needs all the eyes it can get. And, I don't necessarily see the benefits of TOD if its all single-use as a principal.
Those are just my thoughts; they aren't demands of developers to spend extra money. But, I do think the City should at least fight for good design now and then.