This design provided convenience for people to work and live before the era of the automobile. Changes in land use patterns and public preferences in the mid 1900s resulted in local zoning codes and ordinances that encouraged separation of residential, commercial and industrial developments. Mixed-use buildings lost their popularity. However, today renovation and new construction of mixed-use properties are on the rise in response to demand. On a larger scale, an urban village can include office, retail, medical services, apartment or condominiums, senior housing, lodging, and recreational and industrial uses in one development.
Occupants can be a combination of owners and renters.
Combining different uses in a single development fills an important market niche in many of our communities. Mixed-use developments respond to growing societal preference to use land more efficiently, to enhance or redevelop underutilized properties, and to provide more convenience in an increasingly hectic world. Increasing economic vitality and expanding market opportunities. Supporting long-term economic stability by strengthening the tax base. Maximizing use of land and public infrastructure.