So, what is a mixed-use development, and where can I find them in the Triangle?
You’ve probably heard the term mixed-use development circulating in the news or in neighborhood newsletters. A mixed-use development blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses. This blend is physically connected and “functionally integrated”, which is to say everything is interconnected, including walkways or pedestrian crossings. Kind of neat, right?
A great way to describe a mixed-use development is by taking a look at mountain resorts. If you’re going away skiing, most of the time the ski resort is located in a “village” that includes hotels, restaurants, shopping, and other amenities. Pretty useful, and efficient.
Moving forward, we’ll abbreviate mixed-use development with MUD.
What are the Benefits of a Mixed-Use Development?
There happens to be quite a number of benefits to MUDs. For starters, these areas are typically very pedestrian friendly. The presence of traffic still exists, but’s not quite as heavy.
By integrating retail, office, and residential space all in one, MUDs make good use of land they occupy. Why is this? The buildings and developments are used for more hours of the day and by more people, which is to say they are essentially multipurpose buildings. What a good way to be environmentally conscious. What’s more, is that MUDs make it possible for people to commute to work in different manners. Not everyone will need to have a car, and talk about a shorter commute!
Looking for less maintenance than a typical single-family home? A mixed-use development might be for you. They’re family friendly, they promote a social lifestyle, and MUDs also take away the need for the heavy duty maintenance single-family homes require.
One of the big reasons MUDs are beneficial in urban areas is that they provide access to commercial businesses for those who might not have access to them otherwise. Low income families can benefit greatly from MUDs, thanks to the pedestrian-friendly lifestyle and proximity to commercial businesses.
Check out this Mixed-Use Development Activity Report
So, you want to know what a MUD might look like in the project phase? Check out this activity report for Charterwood in Chapel Hill. Want to see another? North Estes Mixed-Use Development in Chapel Hill blends office space, retail space, and even housing space.
Although MUD isn’t a one-size-fits-all term, taking a look at these projects and applications will help you get a sense for the variety MUDs come in. One thing to be sure of, however, is that MUDs will have different parameters, requirements, and zoning laws in different states.
Where are the MUDs in the Triangle?
With all of the urban and suburban growth in the greater Triangle area, we’re starting to see MUDs pop up all over. From Cary to Chapel Hill, builders have been integrating social, commercial, and residential uses into their plans.
Cary is a great example of an urban and suburban area with crazy growth. Remember the Wegmans grocery store coming to Cary? Well, Wegmans is part of a mixed-use development that Columbia Development Group proposed. Their proposal included an amphitheater, green space, office and retail space, and even housing too. Don’t forget about Brier Chapel Commercial Development, either.
MUDs aren’t only in Cary or Chapel Hill though. They’re making their way to Holding Village in Wake Forest, Chatham Park in Chatham County, as well as North Hills mall in Raleigh.
Take a look at any of these neighborhoods for a sneak peak into an MUD in the Triangle area. Don’t forget to check out the featured listings while you’re there!
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If you are interested in learning about these mixed-use developments and properties available in them in the greater Triangle area, visit us online. Call us today at 919-813-6449 or e-mail us at [email protected] for additional information.