An Empirical Study of the Efficacy of Mixed-Use Development - The Seattle Experience

By: James R. DeLisle and Terry V. Grissom

Release Date: April 2011

ARES 2011 Manuscript Prize Winner – Mixed-Use Properties

Little empirical research has been conducted to identify the metrics that can be used to gauge the ultimate success of mixed-use projects and the critical success factors that should be incorporated. The objective of this paper is to explore these fundamental questions. The research begins with an extensive review of the literature to identify the nature and scope of issues surrounding mixed-use projects as well as provide insights into the current state of knowledge on the topic. The research then explores the mixed-use experience in Seattle where such development has been a key element of real estate activity for over two decades making it a living laboratory setting.