Strategies to revitalize strip malls should try to emulate the aspects that have historically made many successful
Strip mall retail is also characterized by the relatively small size of units. New commercial units in mixed-use buildings can be as large as 4,500 sq. ft., much larger than the 1,000 sq. ft. average in strip malls. Combined with the fact that these units are often offered for sale rather than lease means that many small business owners are priced out of these new spaces. While the lower rents of older buildings is difficult to replicate, ensuring that new developments offer a range of unit sizes, including small units, is one way to encourage variety in business types. Strategies to revitalize strip malls should therefore try to emulate the aspects that have historically made many successful – multiple lot lines, complex ownership and lack of central control. Such features allow for greater flexibility in the system and ultimately a higher level of diversity and vibrancy.
Figure 1 Strip mall in Toronto with zero vacancy and high diversity of tenants
Figure 2 Diagram of typical strip mall built form
Orly Linovski is a doctoral student at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Images courtesy of Orly Linovski
Figure 3 New commercial development with office uses
CURB VOL 3 | ISSUE 2 | 2012
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