Developing a Second Life for the Suburban Office Park

"Hoping to stave off suburban blight, local officials in more than a dozen communities have approved plans for developers to turn aging corporate parks into urban-style complexes with amenities including apartments, stores, movie theaters, bike paths and office space," reports Laura Kusisto.

"'It's easy to say these office buildings or office complexes may be obsolete, but we can't walk away from them,' said Michael Kerwin, president and chief executive of the Somerset County Business Partnership, a regional chamber of commerce [in New Jersey]."

"It remains to be seen if the new complexes will attract residents, retailers and companies," adds Kusisto. "Most office parks aren't connected to reliable public transportation, and even a makeover may not create the appeal that now draws more young people to live in city centers."