Building Momentum: How Public-Private Partnership Revitalized Downtown Topeka, Kansas

The city of Topeka has built significant momentum in the five years since its downtown revitalization. Capital investment and strategic planning at the city’s center had a reverberating effect across town, from the expansion of vocational-technical training to the growth of Kanza Fire Commerce Park. Public-private partnership The year 2015 was pivotal with a $9.4 million public-private investment in infrastructure and amenities along Kansas Avenue, the main downtown thoroughfare. The city …

May 21, 2020Kansas, Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use

Wichita’s Downtown Revitalization Serves as Catalyst for New Projects

Wichita has been experiencing a strong downtown revitalization that has brought construction of new and redeveloped office, retail and mixed-use projects throughout its urban core over the past few years. Two years ago, companies began relocating downtown as shifting workplace demographics incorporated close proximity, “live, work, play” amenities in order to grow their businesses as well as attract and retain talent. Today’s businesses are seeking modern Class A finishes within …

May 7, 2020Kansas, Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use

Placemaking, Integration Define Mixed-Use Projects in Texas

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, …

March 27, 2020Market Reports, Mixed-Use, Texas, Texas Market Reports

Why Invest in Grand Rapids: Lifestyle, Job Market and Affordability

While most national investors and developers focus on larger Sun Belt and coastal markets such as Austin, Atlanta, Nashville and Phoenix, Time Equities has had great success investing in Grand Rapids and continues to believe strongly in the future potential of the area. As an opportunistic company, we often go where others do not, looking for markets and assets with strong risk-adjusted returns. Grand Rapids provides such an opportunity. The small city has been ascendant for the past decade …

November 7, 2019Market Reports, Michigan, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use

Flood of Development Activity Continues in Cedar Rapids

As I have enjoyed writing in six previous August articles since 2013, we have seen Cedar Rapids, the 2014 “All-America City,” go from flood recovery in 2008 and 2016 to record levels of development. The city set a record for building permits in fiscal year 2018 of $375 million, which was $133 million over the previous year and $29 million more than the 2012 record by $29 million. Activity in fiscal year 2019 is estimated to be a very impressive $320 million. Flood protection system reached …

August 22, 2019Iowa, Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use

Cornhusker State Has a Knack for Mixed-Use Projects

The term “mixed-use” appears to be all the rage, possibly a victim of its own success. A similar phenomenon occurred in the retail world with the introduction of the term “lifestyle center.” As a concept grows in popularity there is the natural inclination to capitalize on the movement, which can ultimately lead to watering down the concept. However, despite a trend toward reducing the term “mixed-use” to its lowest common denominator, namely having two different product types, …

June 27, 2019Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use, Nebraska

Increased Development Brings New Life to Wichita’s Core

Like many U.S. cities, Wichita’s downtown has experienced an unprecedented revitalization in recent years, with new development and the reimagining of older structures. Growth in the core is not slowing anytime soon if current projects under construction or on the drawing board are any indication. A number of projects, revolving around a new baseball stadium, are poised to inject new life into the historic Delano District. Plans for a new performing arts center are under discussion, and …

May 30, 2019Kansas, Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use

Momentum Grows in Topeka Via Holistic Economic Development Plan

A renaissance is underway in Topeka, Kansas, with undeniable momentum as new commercial, industrial and residential developments emerge citywide. The year 2015 was pivotal with a $9.4 million public-private investment in infrastructure and amenities along Kansas Avenue downtown. Local investors have purchased more than 25 buildings on the avenue for gradual restoration into thriving businesses like Iron Rail Brewing, The Pennant, Cyrus Hotel and Kansas Avenue Lofts. [caption …

May 23, 2019Kansas, Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use

Omaha Undergoing ‘Remarkable’ Downtown Transformation

Remarkable. It’s the word that continues to pop up in interviews and conversations relating to the present transformation occurring in Omaha’s downtown area. If you think you might be experiencing déjà vu, it’s likely because you are. After all, it wasn’t that long ago when the same word was being used to describe the transformation that took place in downtown Omaha 10 to 15 years ago. It was at that time that approximately $2.5 billion was invested in Omaha’s downtown through a …

April 25, 2019Market Reports, Midwest, Midwest Market Reports, Mixed-Use, Nebraska

Making ‘Live, Work, Play’ A Reality

Mixed-use properties come in all shapes, sizes and locations, but developers say the most effective projects are those that transform multi-use real estate developments into unique destinations with vibrant social scenes. In Texas’ biggest markets, robust job and population growth have bolstered demand for more apartments and hotels, as well as office, retail and restaurant space. But it takes a developer that understands human psychology and social behaviors to successfully combine three …

April 2, 2019Market Reports, Mixed-Use, Texas, Texas Market Reports