Can Small Mixed-Use Projects Succeed?

Nelson's Grant is one of a handful of smaller scale mized-use projects in the pipeline for southeastern Virginia. The project, which includes up to 112 town homes and condominiums and 13,000-20,000 square feet of retail space on 14 acres, is being developed by Pritchard & Miller Real Estate, one of "a group of local developers pioneering a new, smaller mixed-use concept that bucks the typical idea of mixed-use as large developments with densely packed buildings to create an urban-like atmosphere," writes Kerr.

"Developers see these smaller mixed-use projects as an opportunity to meet a new market demand for smaller housing that's in close proximity to restaurants and stores."

There's disagreement, however, about the scale of development necessary to support a successful mixed-use project.

"Gerald Divaris, chief executive officer of Virginia Beach-based company Divaris Real Estate, said having successful mixed-use developments in suburban areas can be difficult. Divaris, whose company does mixed-use consulting and development, said successful mixed-use developments have a 'densification of uses.'"