Case Studies
There are many models of successful redevelopment projects in land-locked communities similar to ours. What you will find is that more and more often, real estate redevelopment involves partnerships between investors and the cities themselves. These success stories demonstrate the possibilities that arise when residents are open to the concept of public/private partnerships.
Take a look at our case studies below to learn about how economic development initiatives have worked elsewhere.
Crocker Park - Westlake, Ohio 
View website
In Westlake, Ohio, just 10 miles west of Cleveland, 75 acres has become home to one of the most exciting redevelopment projects in the country. Restaurants, retail stores, residences, and 250,000 square feet of Class A office space combine to create the charm and energy of a traditional downtown.
Carmel City Center - Carmel, Indiana View website
This exciting new landmark destination just two hours west of Columbus (in Indianapolis) showcases 300 penthouses, condominiums, and apartments; 170,000 square feet of office suites; retail, recreation, and hotel space; a Performing Arts Center; and two multi-level parking garages that allow 2,400 cars to enjoy their day in Carmel. The City played a major role in allowing this project to come to fruition.
Shaker Towne Centre - Shaker Heights, Ohio View website
The City of Shaker Heights invested $13 million to make this project transpire, including moving streets and adding new City services to the surrounding area. In total, it was a $60 million public/private investment that has worked so well that Shaker Heights is taking the plunge again. The City is taking the lead on redeveloping the south side of Chagrin Boulevard, which consists of 64,000 square feet of retail and office space. Over time, the City worked to purchase 36,500 square feet of that space and has been selling the buildings to a retail developer, who now plans to renovate the buildings over the next 18 months while following historic renovation design standards.
Renaissance Towne Centre - Bountiful, Utah View website
In this Utah redevelopment, the City declared an old, under-used mall a redevelopment zone and contributed $10 million for a 420-space parking garage. The developers then transformed the Five Points Mall on a 20-acre site into Renaissance Towne Centre, with 400,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space (retail, entertainment, restaurant, recreation, and office tenants.) In addition, the new sports center has swimming pools and basketball courts.
City Center - Englewood, Colorado View website
In order to make this project work, the City of Englewood acquired the site, sold the ground lease to the current owner, and contributed $11 million in infrastructure. Today, the City is a major tenant of the project with the City Hall now located there, along with retail, office, and residential space and the library and city council chambers.
Belmar - Lakewood, Colorado View website
In order to help this project come to life, the City of Lakewood allowed a $100 million bond issue and established a tax increment financing district. The residents consider this to be Lakewood's new downtown, with retail, office, and residential space as well as parks and a central plaza.
Mizner Park - Boca Raton, Florida View website
The City of Boca Raton gave this project $50 million in CRA infrastructure improvements, a $68 million revenue bond, and tax increment financing. Today, Mizner Park is comprised of 236,000 square feet of retail space, 262,000 square of office space, and 272 residential units. Because the city was involved, the site also boasts a park and plaza that has become the city’s most popular place for visitors and residents to gather.
Santana Row - San Jose, California View website
The City of San Jose helped with land assembly and paid for the parking facilities in this mixed-use center. Santana Row replaced an old Town and Country Mall with townhomes, a hotel, and unique shopping and dining experiences.
City Place - Long Beach, California View website
City Place replaced an obsolete enclosed mall that now presents a pedestrian-friendly environment. The City of Long Beach participated in this project with a land write-down of $4.2 million, a land transfer for $2 million, and $500,000 to fund permit fees. Today, City Place includes more than 475,000 square feet of retail space and over 300 residential units on eight city blocks in the heart of downtown Long Beach.
