Mixed Use & Retail Centers
We design amenity-rich, mixed-use destinations and retail centers that foster shared experiences and community. As vibrant social hubs, these integrated mixed-use developments can connect people and experiences and breathe new life into cities.
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Mixed use is recalibrating the urban experience by bringing together the robust attributes of commerce, culture, and leisure in a way that reflects the community’s values.
—David Glover, Mixed Use & Retail Centers leader
27 Items
Rams Village at Warner Center
Woodland Hills, California
With the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams training facility as an anchor, this mixed-use development offers a modern lifestyle where athletes, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play.
West Edge
Los Angeles, California
West Edge defines what a live, work, and play environment can embody on LA’s west side, as one of the area's first mixed-use, transit-oriented developments.
AREA15 Entertainment District
Las Vegas, Nevada
Gensler collaborated with AREA15 to plan and design their expanded 80-acre immersive ecosystem. The ongoing evolution redefines what an entertainment district can be through story-driven placemaking, bold programming, and outdoor activations.
Confidential Mixed Use Master Plan
Philippines
This 154-room sanctuary seamlessly blends luxury, efficiency, and connectivity, offering travelers a refined stay with direct access to office towers, lush gardens, and vibrant retail experiences — creating the perfect destination for leisure, business, and unforgettable events.
Lotus’s North Ratchapruek Lifestyle Center
Bangkok, Thailand
Lotus’s North Ratchapruek Lifestyle Center debuts as a flagship mall, merging a community-focused design with a forward-thinking vision to complement today’s dynamic urban lifestyle.
Tallinn Tower
Tallinn, Estonia
Gensler’s design proposal for Tallinn Tower, which earned second place in an international architecture competition, showcases an innovative vision for urban living, working, and gathering in the heart of Estonia’s capital.
Reimagining North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler and a team of key real estate leaders studied the innovations and interventions that could elevate the North Michigan Avenue experience.
Rochester Commons
Singapore
Singapore’s first campus-style integrated development in one-north, Rochester Commons features Grade A offices, heritage bungalows, a hotel, and Catapult — Southeast Asia’s first immersive executive learning centre.
Shaw Plaza Balestier
Singapore
The revitalized Shaw Plaza transforms a 20-year-old retail mall into a vibrant lifestyle and entertainment destination, with community spaces, heritage-inspired retail, and a state-of-the-art 11-screen cineplex.
Catapult Executive Learning Centre @ Rochester Commons
Singapore
Catapult, Southeast Asia’s first shared executive learning centre, offers immersive programs designed to upskill talent with a curated curriculum that builds agility and leadership in complex, fast-changing business landscapes.
UnCommons
Las Vegas, Nevada
UnCommons is a 40-acre mixed-use community in Las Vegas, designed to foster meaningful relationships, innovation, and vibrant communities.
Caolu Garden City
Shanghai, China
The Shanghai mixed-use development Caolu Garden City is a dynamic hub that blends commerce, business, and residence, and caters to a multi-generational audience
The Highlight at Houston Center
Houston, Texas
The Highlight at Houston Center comes to life as a dining, retail, and entertainment destination in the central business district.
1001 Tower Master Plan
West Palm Beach, Florida
1001 Tower aspires to serve as an iconic gateway into West Palm Beach, piercing the skyline of Okeechobee Boulevard with a clear marker of the city entrance.
Fifth + Broadway
Nashville, Tennessee
Fifth + Broadway reenergizes downtown Nashville with a dynamic, live-work mixed-use district that features retail, restaurants, Class A office space, and more.
The Hub on Causeway
Boston, Massachusetts
In collaboration with Boston Properties and Delaware North Companies, Gensler designed The Hub on Causeway — a mixed-use development at the Boston Garden.
CEC Vanke Shenzhen Bay Headquarters
Shenzhen, China
China Electronics Corporation’s Shenzhen Bay headquarters creates a vibrant and connected vertical urban community where workplace blends seamlessly with leisure, hospitality, culture, technology, entertainment, and nature.
1 St. Clair West
Toronto, Ontario
After determining that demolishing 1 St. Clair West was not viable, Slate Asset Management enlisted Gensler to reposition it as a mixed-use development.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Chicago, Illinois
DraftKings Sportsbook is a new facet in Wrigleyville’s entertainment complex adjacent to historic Wrigley Field, the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs.
The Residences at Rivermark
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The Residences at Rivermark is a transformative project in the beating heart of downtown Baton Rouge’s growing and dynamic cultural scene.
The Central Park
Phoenix, Arizona
The Central Park is designed to be a catalytic mixed-use development for midtown Phoenix that weaves together a sense of community, engagement, style, and an adventurous spirit, offering a rich experience for tenants, residents, and visitors.
Fields West
Frisco, Texas
Fields West combines world-class shopping and dining with upscale urban living and premium commercial office space to create a dynamic environment where lifestyle and opportunity flourish.
Gateway
Newark, New Jersey
In an effort to propel Newark’s revitalization, Onyx Equities partnered with Gensler to reimagine Gateway, a tired office complex built in the 1970s.
The Bon
Boston, Massachusetts
Located in a vibrant Boston neighborhood and adjacent to mass transit, The Bon is designed as a new paradigm for purpose-built, multi-unit housing.
100 Stockton
San Francisco, California
100 Stockton Street is a repositioning project of the former Macy’s Men’s Store, located steps from the iconic Union Square in San Francisco.
Twenty by Six
San Diego, California
Twenty by Six is an amenity-rich office building in downtown San Diego offering tenants alternate places to work and a strong connection to the surrounding outdoors.
1364ah Lifestyle Center
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Gensler’s design for a vibrant mixed-use development, 1364ah Lifestyle Center, captures Riyadh’s existing essence as foundation for a fast-growing population.
INSIGHTS
Blog
Designing Tomorrow’s Shopping Centers: Global Ideas From Kuwait, Costa Rica, and Beyond
Around the world, developers are experimenting with new models that expand the meaning of “retail.” For U.S. retail designers, these examples offer valuable lessons for an era defined by shifting consumer behavior, climate pressures, and the need to create authentic community experiences.
Blog
How Journey Mapping Shapes Design Opportunities for the User
Journey mapping is more than a tool. It helps teams visualize how users move through systems, spaces, and services over time, capturing not just what users do, but how they feel, what they expect, and where they encounter friction or delight.
Blog
Mixed-Use Developments: A Sustainable Blueprint for Urban Growth
High-density mixed-use developments can be a powerful engine for economic growth, resilience, and cultural and socioeconomic cohesion.
Blog
Reenvisioning Retail Centres: Lessons From China for the Middle East
We explore how key lessons from China’s retail evolution can reshape the future of retail centres in the Middle East.
Blog
The Evolving Role of Hotels in Retail-Driven Mixed-Use Environments
Hotels within mixed-use developments are becoming curated retail destinations and dynamic contributors to a vibrant urban experience.
Blog
5 ‘Out of the Box’ Strategies for the Retail Real Estate Market
As big box retail closures mount, here’s a look at five unique uses to repurpose large, vacant spaces in a changing landscape.
Research
City Pulse 2025
Gensler surveyed 33,000 people across 65 cities to uncover what makes a city magnetic — how it attracts new residents and keeps them wanting to stay.
Blog
Latin American Malls: The New Town Square
Malls across Central and South America are layered, experience-rich destinations that bring people together.
Blog
The Future of Mixed-Use Communities in Phoenix
Phoenix is well positioned for continued expansion, capitalizing on new technologies, sustainable practices, and architectural innovation.
Blog
The New Experiential Hybrid
The New Hybrid experience brings together the robust attributes of commerce, culture, and leisure, and recalibrates the urban experience.
Blog
What Do Consumers Want? Gensler’s U.S. Consumer Experience Report Uncovers Key Insights
Gensler’s latest consumer research delves into how design can impact human experiences for the better.
Blog
The Future Is Mixed Use: How Principles of Mixed Use Design Will Restore Our Communities
Here are four principles for creating mixed-use environments that will future-proof real estate.
Research
U.S. Consumer Experience Report 2024
We integrated the perspectives of over 2,000 U.S.-based consumers with the latest thinking from our Design Leaders to gain fresh insights on what makes a great consumer experience worth it.
Blog
Trends to Watch: The Future of Cities Relies on Multiuse Districts
Gensler’s Mixed Use & Retail Centers leaders discuss the opportunities shaping the future of cities and multiuse districts.
Blog
What Two Mixed-Use Districts Reveal About Successful Retail and Placemaking
Lessons from two mixed-use destinations in Texas reinforce the value of adaptability and careful placemaking for large, retail-centered developments.
Trends in Mixed Use & Retail Centers
Experience and emotional impact define mixed-use success.
Mixed-use projects are more durable and resilient when they resonate emotionally. Vibrant plazas and walkable streets inspire awe, joy, and connection, turning everyday environments into destinations people remember.
Public space is a key strategy for growth.
By treating plazas, alleys, and courtyards in a mixed-use project as programmable stages, developers attract visitors and increase revenue in adjacent retail, hospitality, and residential developments.
Mixed use must be hyperlocal, or it’s forgettable.
In a world where “mixed use” is everywhere, the projects that stand out are those that feel deeply rooted in place. Developers who localize their design, experience, and cultural references create magnetic environments that people actually care about.
MIXED USE & RETAIL CENTERS LEADERSHIP
J.F. Finn, III
Mixed Use & Retail Centers Leader, Principal
J.F. Finn, III is a global leader in Gensler’s Mixed Use & Retail Centers practice, based in our Los Angeles office.
David Glover
Mixed Use & Retail Centers Leader
David Glover is a global leader of Gensler’s Mixed Use & Retail Centers practice with more than 35 years of multi-disciplinary design and planning expertise to his experience-driven architecture.
Duncan Paterson
Mixed Use & Retail Centers Leader, Studio Leader, Design Director, Principal
Duncan Paterson is Gensler’s Global Mixed Use & Retail Centers Leader who has devoted more than 30 years to creating vibrant, experience-driven architecture.
NEWS
In The Media
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Yahoo!
Yahoo! Explores Gensler Columbus’ Plans for a 25-Story Tower Across From Lower.com Field Stadium
The project aims to bring a new hotel, apartments, offices, a restaurant, parking, and entertainment, creating a new “destination and a district unto itself.”
September 02, 2025
In The Media
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Gulf News
The Future of Retail Design in the Middle East
Gensler’s Todd Pilgreen discusses future-ready retail environments in the Middle East that serve as commercial spaces, as well as urban and cultural anchors that strengthen communities.
August 12, 2025
In The Media
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Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times Shared Plans for the Rams’ New Headquarters as Part of a Mixed-Use Development at Warner Center
Gensler Principal Eric Stultz was interviewed, along with Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, and other partners, about Rams Village, which will anchor the $10 billion mixed-use development in the San Fernando Valley.
April 06, 2025
In The Media
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CNN Business
CNN Business Spotlights Gensler’s Vision for Reinventing Malls to Meet Gen Z’s Retail Expectations
The feature explores the reinvention of malls, with Gensler’s David Glover sharing insights on Gen Z’s demand for experiential retail and design trends.
February 21, 2025
In The Media
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The Architect’s Newspaper
Gensler Leads the Transformation of Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue
Gensler’s vision improves pedestrian access by broadening sidewalks to create space for food and beverage kiosks, lighting fixtures, public art, green space, and stages for street performances.
July 15, 2024
In The Media
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The Dallas Morning News
Gensler Will Design the 35-Acre Prosper Arts District in North Texas
Dallas Principal Barry Hand shared how the master-planned development will redefine mixed-use living and community engagement in North Texas.
June 18, 2024
In The Media
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Interior Design
The Mart Featured in Interior Design’s List of Six “Projects That Channel Their Locations Perfectly”
Gensler’s renovation of The Mart in Chicago enlarges and enhances the outdoor public plaza and reimagines 200,000 square feet on the first two levels.
April 24, 2024
In The Media
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NHL.com
The Coyotes’ Vision to “Transform the Arizona Skyline” With a Landmark Development
NHL.com spotlighted the Arizona Coyotes’ proposal for an unrivaled, privately funded sports, lifestyle, and entertainment district, designed by Gensler with AECOM Hunt.
April 05, 2024
In The Media
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Atlanta Business Chronicle
Centennial Yards To Begin Next Phase of Downtown Redevelopment
Atlanta Business Chronicle detailed the next phase of the Gensler and SHAPE-designed Centennial Yards Entertainment District in Downtown Atlanta.
March 25, 2024
In The Media
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Houston Chronicle
Gensler, Pagewood, and Wile Interests Partner to Create a Mixed-Use District in Houston’s East Downtown
Gensler partnered with Pagewood and Wile Interests to create a master plan for ten underutilized industrial warehouses. East Blocks will feature open green spaces, restaurants, walking paths, and bike lines that lead to trails.
November 13, 2023
In The Media
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Fast Company
Here’s Why “Hybrid Workers Are Actually a Big Part of the Reason Downtowns Are Hanging On”
Fast Company spotlighted Gensler’s City Pulse report and explained why hybrid workers are spending more time in CBDs outside of working hours — and opting to work at third spaces in downtowns rather than at home.
November 02, 2023
In The Media
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Urbanize LA
Gensler is Designing Hollywood’s New Sunset & Highland Mixed-Use Tower Complex
The tower complex will include residential, hotel, and retail space, as well as landscaped amenity decks and parking that will be convertible for future uses.
October 09, 2023
In The Media
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RICS
Gensler’s Design of The Hub on Causeway is “a Catalyst for Regeneration in Boston”
Gensler Studio Director Chris Haynes explained how the mixed-use development project has elevated the area “as an entertainment district where people could live, work, and play.”
July 04, 2023
In The Media
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Texas Real Estate Business
How to Curate Unique Retail Experiences in Post-Pandemic Mixed-Use Environments
Gensler Studio Director Barry Hand shared insights on planning and designing commercial placemaking in post-pandemic mixed-use environments.
May 01, 2023
In The Media
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Urban Land Institute
The Rising Trend of Retail-to-Residential Conversions
Gensler’s Barry Hand explained how in order to sustain malls, such as MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, Calif., they “should be embedded in a mix of activated, walkable uses.”
February 27, 2023
In The Media
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Building Design
Building Design Ranked Gensler the #1 Firm on Its 2023 World Architecture 100 Survey
Gensler also ranked #1 in Hospitality, Mixed Use, Offices, Retail, Science & Technology, Senior Living, Sports, and Transportation.
January 23, 2023