Retail infill development is a form of commercial construction which revitalizes or repurposes underutilized urban spaces for retail use. However, there’s more than what meets the eye with this service we offer. So, we’re going to explain what retail infill development is in more detail, what its benefits are, and why it’s essential for modern businesses.
What is retail infill development?
We explained this to a degree but retail infill development is the construction of new retail space in an existing city or neighborhood on vacant or underused land. Infill development can also involve the renovation of existing structures.
Daher Construction accomplishes this through transforming vacant lots into retail spaces, repurposing old or unused buildings into shopping centers, and adding retail spaces to existing developments. Some examples:
- Replacing a vacant storefront
- Transforming vacant lots into mixed-use buildings
- Converting an old warehouse into a grocery store
- Revitalizing a historic apartment building into multiple offices
What is the difference between infill development and ground-up construction? Infill development uses an existing infrastructure while ground-up commercial construction necessitates building all necessary infrastructure.
Why does retail infill development matter?
Retail infill development makes the most of existing land rather than expanding into underdeveloped areas. It transforms underused chunks of land into productive spaces that contribute to the community. It also taps in to established neighborhoods with built-in customer bases.
Further, by building on existing land helps increase urban density which leads to more efficient use of city resources and brings life to underused or abandoned spaces. Essentially, the aim is to boost local economies by increasing local amenities. It’s usually more environmentally friendly than new construction as well by reducing the need for new land development (preserving green spaces) and through modern, more sustainable building practices.
Lastly, it lowers the cost of commercial construction for business owners by leveraging existing infrastructure such as roads and utilities. Sometimes there are also potential tax incentives for redeveloping blighted areas.
Key considerations for successful retail infill projects
When considering retail infill for your business, here is what you should consider:
- Location: It is important to analyze for yourself or get data on foot traffic, demographics, and accessibility.
- Zoning: Ensure the area is zoned for commercial use or, if not, you need to contact your local planning department to submit a rezoning application.
- Permits: Working with an experienced general contractor simplifies this process. However, this is the Springfield, MO page on the subject.
- Design and functionality: There will be a balancing act for modern retail needs with existing building constraints. You’ll need to create spaces that attract tenants or customers.
- Parking and accessibility: Ensure your desired site meets modern accessibility standards (ADA compliance) and room for customer parking. However, in dense areas, there might be creative solutions for parking.
Your commercial construction general contractor in Springfield, MO
Retail infill development is an option worth considering for any business owner who wants to minimize costs by leveraging existing utilities and a pre-built structure. Daher Construction is a trusted general contractor with 35+ years of construction experience. We work closely with you and other stakeholders to create designs that meet your goals while respecting and enhancing the surrounding community.
If you’re considering a retail infill project, contact us today through our website or call us at 417-345-0398 to discuss how we can help turn your vision into reality.
