Development trends in commercial real estate are beholden to the whims of consumer behavior. When it comes to mixed-use in the 21st century, successful projects deliver a high-quality experience that centers on a sense of social belonging and connection — for living, working and playing alike. “In today’s experiential economy, demographic changes and shifts in consumer values and preferences across generations are converging on the desire for social connection,” says Brian Cramer, senior vice president and head of the Dallas office of mixed-use developer Newland Communities. “People crave experiences and connections, which is why mixed-use environments will become even more important in community development.” Bob Schultz, the developer of Mid Main, a mixed-use destination in Houston’s Midtown neighborhood, echoes Cramer’s position on man’s inherently social nature as a driver of growth in the mixed-use space. “Our experience is that these various populations are willing to live with each other as never before,” says Schultz. “Demographics of those who live in urban areas cross over in terms of age and economic differences in ways that are either comfortable or virtually unnoticed by the different populations. In other words, people who like to live, work and play in areas with density value …
