Top Five Best Practices for Designing Small Healthcare Spaces

As more healthcare providers seek out leases in retail properties, what design considerations come into play – and is size everything? For part two in our series, we’re taking a closer look at the challenges of meeting the design requirements for first-rate outpatient facilities within the unique surroundings of retail and storefront property.

With the shift away from medical office buildings toward retail, healthcare tenants are looking to minimize higher lease costs by cutting back on space. The oft-repeated corporate adage of doing more with less becomes especially important for these facilities. Healthcare providers also must find ways to assimilate to high-traffic, retail-oriented areas to appeal to and capture needed patient volumes. And when those patients enter the facility, providers need to deliver on the promise of a positive healthcare experience in limited space.

In a consumer-driven marketplace, medical tenants can make savvy and strategic decisions about how they plan and fit out their ambulatory facilities to maximize quality and cost savings. Our top five recommended best practices are:

Maximize staff efficiency

This is just as important in small spaces as it is in large hospitals. Analyze how the staff works. Lay out the space to minimize workflow distances, remembering that personnel costs make up a significant proportion of operational costs. Understand points of movement – where do nurses go to get their supplies? Will patients travel far for diagnostic procedures? How do clerks handle registration and check-out? Being clear on workflow will make the best use of the space.

Utilize circulation space

Circulation space presents a good opportunity within smaller spaces to accommodate additional patient care and work areas. Creating alcoves in hallways to accomplish functions such as registration or queuing can maximize their efficiency and still provide pleasant areas for patients and staff.

Provide flexibility for expansion

Healthcare is always evolving – built-in flexibility and adaptability can address these changes. Allow exam rooms to serve multiple specialties. Strategically locate soft spaces such as office, storage rooms and lounges in areas where they can be repurposed for patient care areas. Plan for how the space could expand next door, but do not locate expensive plumbing-intense spaces such as toilets at ends of hallways that could serve as a connection point.

Take cues from other space types – your local small Starbucks is a start!

Waiting times can be long in medical facilities, and it’s important that the patient and family be given comfortable and practical areas to wait, especially with today’s technology. Small coffee shops and cafés have successfully created such spaces by introducing work tables, lounge seating and designated areas for conversation which can reduce anxiety and can shorten the perceived waiting times.

Introduce soothing and lasting interiors

The ambiance of smaller facilities should help in the healing process, rather than aggravate it. Color palettes from nature have been shown to calm and comfort people. In a small facility, creative use of lighting can also be used to maximize this effect with indirect exposure and natural illumination. Finishes that are easy washable not only provide a cleaner environment, but allow for extra cost savings with a longer lifespan.

Author:
By Jose Estevez
Principal, Healthcare Practice
NELSON Worldwide

The latest Retail Design Institute event in New York was hosted at The Phluid Project in SoHo, a new retail space that claims to be the first gender free apparel store in the world.

The overall space had a cheerful ambiance, with pops of color and fun visuals. The store design is very minimal with high ceilings, white walls and big windows, allowing the merchandise to be the star of the show. Hanging on the wall like art pieces, are The Phluid Project t-shirts, while the rest of the fixtures are white cubes, racks and tables.

The space is not all about the merchandise though, guests are encouraged to stay and relax with a back bar serving coffee and kombucha, a hidden “selfie” nook, and colorful bleachers, allowing plenty of space for guests to hang out and recharge. The store also has an office space in the lower level that can be rented free of charge for events and gatherings.

At the RDI event, founder Rob Smith talked about his inspiration and the desire behind the project – to create a space and atmosphere where everybody can feel free to be who they are. His vision was to create a space where everybody can feel comfortable shopping – remembering the days when boys would feel embarrassed having to walk in the women’s section to try a pair of jeans, in order to fit their style.  For him, it was less about the clothes and more about creating a different retail experience for people that don’t fit in a typical gender description, or consider themselves gender fluid. He admitted he was surprised by the amount of tourists that stop by, from all over the world, to check out the space – realizing most people are just curious to see how a store with no gender division works.

The merchandising itself is organized by style, I recognized a few familiar brands such as Fila and Champion, representing their more casual, summer offerings.  While I didn’t spot many dresses and skirts, there were plenty of loose shirts, crop tops, jeans jackets and tons of sneakers. In addition, the store also sells beauty products, sunglasses, accessories and books. The merchandise and brands change every few months, as does the store layout, so all the fixtures are on casters to make it easy to move in order to create different configurations. The mannequins have been designed to have a less masculine body than the typical male ones, Smith wanted to combine men and women’s body types into one.

Altogether it was a wonderful event, in a great environment. It’s exciting to see a store that opens up a new future for kids that don’t identify themselves with a traditional gender and will finally have a place where they can shop freely without having to choose.

Inspired by WELL Building Standards, we’re bringing our workplace design expertise back home to you. We are sharing 10 tips to create better work environments at home that prioritize your health, well-being, and happiness.

Tip #1: Keep water where you are. If you have multiple re-usable water bottles, put them in the areas you are spending most of your time. Mimic WELL Building Standards by increasing the number of locations you have access to water. If it’s where you are, you’ll drink more of it.

Tip #2: Put “move” time on your calendar. Make sure to actually block out time on your calendar so you’ll receive the reminder to get up and start moving. Do you need some free inspiration? Check out this round-up of free online classes.

Tip #3: Go on a walk. In many areas, you can take a walk around your neighborhood while still practicing social distancing. A great way to get off the beaten path is to find nearby local hikes on AllTrails.

Tip #4: To reduce the number of grocery trips you are making, check out the longest-lasting fresh produce to stock up on, and get the most bang for your buck.

Tip #5: Make sure you’re sitting or standing correctly while working. Check out these reminders to make sure you have the ideal body posture throughout the day.

Tip #6: As the temperature starts to warm up, open the windows if you’re able. Not only will it increase your outdoor air intake, but the sounds of outside can lower stress, cortisol levels, and blood pressure.

Tip #7: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Method.  If your brain is stuck on the “worry” setting, try this method of emotional grounding. Find:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

Tip #8: Try video conferencing. While a lot of us aren’t comfortable on camera, it helps us feel connected and less isolated when we are able to see and visually interact with our coworkers, friends, and family.

Tip #9: Focus on starting and completing tasks. A sense of purpose and progress can help when things feel out of control. Try downloading a free to-do list app like Any.do, Todoist, or Google Keep.

Tip #10: Know when to log off. Shut down and stop working when you would normally leave the office. Although that can be challenging in our always connected world, you’ll need a good work-life balance even more since your work is now home with you all day.

View Related Content

Amenities have a profound effect on the value of a building, and new unique experiences make a lasting impression for consumers, employees, hotel guests, and residents. Our mixed-use teammates set out to explore current and future amenity trends in our latest blog series, The Amenity Effect. Follow along as we dive deep into the environments where we work, shop, live, and thrive and take a closer look at the amenities that help make these environments flourish.

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Growing up, I thought of amenities as hotel perks we got to enjoy when we went on vacation. Upon arriving at our destination my dad would say, “leave the bags in the room and let’s explore,” allowing us to wonder around the property to discover everything the hotel had to offer. As the years went by, we began ranking each hotel experience based on the amenities alone. While the core values of hospitality still provide a recipe for those memories, there are many new and evolving facets to an overnight stay that should be considered when designing the spaces and experiences that shape the environment and how guests choose a hotel.

When searching for the perfect vacation spot, consumers’ lists are quickly narrowed down if a hotel doesn’t at least check two of their boxes when it comes to amenities. Another expectation for almost all travelers is the cleanliness of those amenities and the guestrooms. But, what do hoteliers do now and post-pandemic when the demand for cleanliness is at an all-time high? And what if the other amenities they favor most are considered high risk for the spread of germs?

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“Today, hotels and property sharing models are competing not only for the best amenity spaces, but also for the credibility, safety, and cleanliness of those spaces.”

—Kelli Fellers, Account Director, NELSON Worldwide

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In this edition of The Amenity Effect, we’re breaking down traditional amenities and exploring new amenities that will drive innovation and reduce friction for hotel stays today and the future:

W and Element Hotel – Philadelphia, PA

Baseline Clean

For decades, staple hotel amenities like fitness rooms and swimming pools have been in high demand. To keep these commodities relevant during the current pandemic, as well as in the future, hotel brands must elevate their sanitization and physical distancing procedures, and how they communicate those procedures to guests. Redefining how guests move throughout and interact with a facility is critical to minimize the number of touch points in the guest journey, so they can still enjoy those desired amenities.

Mobile devices will revolutionize the entire hotel amenity experience and simplify the guest journey overall. Guests can use their cell phones to see how busy the hotel gym or pool is before packing up the entire family to spend the day there. They can use their devices to check in and out of an amenity space, order food poolside, print documents in the business center, check the last time an amenity has been sanitized, and more.

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“Your phone will be your new master key – getting you not only into your room, but access to hotel amenities. It will also play the part of thermostat, remote control, and light switch.”

—Jim Stapleton, Vice President, NELSON Worldwide

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Wellness Focused Features

Some core amenities may move into the guestroom for those that don’t want to give up their workout routine on the road and prefer an even more controlled environment.  Similar to multi-family design, in-room fitness options may relieve some newfound anxiety associated with the pandemic as seen in IHG hotel brands.  Operators are beginning to partner with digitally native brands like Peloton, so guests can stream virtual fitness classes from the comfort of their hotel rooms. Design will evolve greatly as we start to see more in-room amenities and hoteliers will need to pay attention to spacial configuration and noise mitigation from impact and vibration.

The health and wellness of guests will continue to be a focus for hotel brands, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is through outdoor amenities, Connections to greenspace through biophilic design has been proven to improve well-being. Allowing outdoor amenities for walking, dining, and exercise will cater to the increasing desire to spend time in the great outdoors. Golf courses, beaches, waterfront access, lawn games, curated activity packages, walking tours, scavenger hunts, are all ways to connect guests with nature.

W and Element Hotel – Philadelphia, PA 

Outdoor work settings with access to power and Wi-Fi can cater to the business traveler or family member that wants to plug in throughout their stay. As the working remote model is increasing with business operations, it’s imperative that our hospitality options provide for reliable, and comfortable work environments.

Rooftop access is key where applicable.  Hoteliers can leverage the sustainability of a green roof, with the fresh outdoor air and elevated views.  Whether its space dedicated to pools, lounges, workspace, food and beverage, or recreation, there are endless opportunities for rooftop amenities.

Intentional Space Shifts

Coworking is taking up residency in hotels as remote work becomes more common and the younger workforce seeks a communal environment outside of the guestroom.  Proximity and convenience on hotel property allow guest to have a more encompassing stay.  Hotel designers and operators will need to implement technologies enabling cordless sharing of content to screens seamlessly from a phone or device for presentations.  And these integrations must still pare with the service expectations guests have come to expect

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“Meeting and event facilities are core to the success of many hotels. A seamless integration of technology and touchless interaction will help reassure travelers seeking to gather again in larger groups.”

—Alex Campbell, Hospitality Studio Director, NELSON Worldwide

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Smart room automation also supports the need for a better work environment within. The in-room desk and workspace are more important to guests than ever before and can greatly impact the booking decision for business travelers. Some hotel brands are even offering rental packages that allow guests to use rooms as a daytime office.  With many people searching to balance working from home, using guest rooms as part-time amenities will grow in popularity in the coming months. Outfitting rooms and workspaces with video capability is essential to keep up with the demand for live conferencing and workflow.

Hotel/office hybrid rendering – NELSON Worldwide

Let’s not forget the social opportunities a hotel lobby and lounge can provide. Whether it’s a place to celebrate a wedding or family occasion, to meet other guests and travelers, network, or simply unwind after a long day of business or travel, the community aspect of hospitality still plays a pivotal role in the hotel experience. Moving forward, these communal spaces can be designed to inspire interaction while balancing the comfort and wellness of each guest.

It’s vital that lobby spaces are dialed in with power and technology to support personal devices throughout.  Through design of scale, proximity, connectivity or separation, and aesthetics we can create usable spaces for lounging, gaming, entertaining, working, and socializing. Curated art, cooking demonstrations, mixology classes, craft beer walls all provide a sense of place and experience. Sportsbook hospitality often found in casinos can be recreated within the lobby promoting energetic living rooms to enjoy the latest sporting event with friends or coworkers. Food and beverage concepts are another amenity that can add significant value to a hotel stay, keeping in mind both prepackaged grab-n-go and full-service restaurants.  Bringing in local, fresh, and artisan offerings connects the hotel with the community and provides additional choices that cater to the independent traveler or a group that would prefer a more casual experience.

Hilton Garden Inn, The Shops

Spirit of Hospitality

Every amenity, experience, and memory can be elevated through good branding. As a hotel operator, understanding one’s position in the marketplace, role in the community, corporate partnerships, and overall purpose is imperative to what a brand can bring to the consumer. As seen in much of the work from our NELSON brand communications, strategy and insights, and environmental graphic design teams, a successful brand strategy will elevate the impact of design and services. Graphics, décor, signage, ambiance, products, sounds, and smells are all influences to the memories guests tie to an experience. A brand’s value and communication of sustainability will also help inform its decisions on finding balance of operations, cleanliness, and comfort.

Some hotels have aligned themselves with luxury products for the bathroom amenities, guestroom technology, mattresses, furniture, and other amazing objects of design to provide quality and opulent memory and experience.  

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“Consumers will hold brands accountable to an entirely new level
of responsibility, especially as they seek guidance on how to best
transition back into travel.”

—Tori Tasch, Senior Brand Strategist, NELSON Worldwide

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Creating hotel innovative amenities will be what separates a memorable lodging experience from something mediocre. Brands that don’t evolve and improve their core amenities to remain relevant today will fall behind, and those that are constantly re-imagining new offerings will rise to the top.  

Q: Who are you as a designer? Tell us more.

As a designer, I am practical and balanced. I appreciate the visuals and aesthetics that can be accomplished by the use and manipulation of products and materials, but I am always conscious of cost, function, and longevity. This is not only important to me but the client which is why I always ask What is this going to look like day two? Is this easy to maintain? Is the design too specific to current trends that it will tire quickly?

Q: 6 words that describe what it’s like to be a designer in NYC. Go!

Challenging
Interactive
Exciting
Forward-thinking
Engaging
Passionate

Q: What are some architecture and interior design trends in NYC you’re seeing at the moment?

At the moment, I am seeing the use of materials, lighting, and furniture that are multi-functional and allow plenty of flexibility within a space. We are designing interiors with the ability to be re-purposed so that users can easily adapt to changes with less movement and lower construction costs.

Q: How has the design landscape in NYC changed over time?

Over the years, design has become more open and accepting of the original structures and layouts of spaces. The brick and steel you find behind drywall is now the accent wall of a space. The rough beat up ceiling slab we use to conceal is now “perfect”. We are finding that the imperfect nature of these materials is now the finished look clients enjoy.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for design/designers in NYC?

A challenge for New York City designers and architects are is working with structural constraints within a project space. This City has a vast but unique range of architecture passed down from each era. Working around older methods and materials is always a challenge. For example, some buildings have wide column footprints used to fireproof them at the time. Our solution? We strip them down to the exposed steel and paint them. While finding these solutions may be challenging, they are also the things that make being a designer in NYC so special and exciting.

Q: What’s it like to work at NELSON NYC?

At NELSON every day is different! Being in the Tenant Landlord studio, the heart of our work is in NYC so we see it all and move very quickly. On an average day we could be in the office designing, working with brokers around the city, or standing on top of a 50-story building for review. All very exciting things that challenge my team and I to be creative and think on our feet.

Amenities have a profound effect on the value of a building, and new unique experiences make a lasting impression for consumers, employees, hotel guests, and residents. Our mixed-use teammates set out to explore current and future amenity trends in our latest blog series, The Amenity Effect. Follow along as we dive deep into the environments where we work, shop, live, and thrive and take a closer look at the amenities that help make these environments flourish.

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After highlighting some thoughts on live and work, it’s time to unpack the play amenities that make up vibrant shopping destinations. Now more than ever, consumers are looking for a differentiated shopping experience, and amenities like ride share lounges, curbside pickup, and locally-driven food halls are replacing outdated mall offerings of the past. 

Earlier this year, we set out to discover what experiential, new offerings shoppers were looking for by creating a retail amenity challenge in the absence of this year’s March Madness tournament.  The top choice for 2020, a beer garden, highlighted consumers’ desires for unique food and beverage concepts that allow them to connect with friends and family, unwind, and tap into a more localized offering. When stay at home orders were lifted, people flocked to these venues, seeking that outdoor social ambiance.

Concert venue came in at a close second, which confirms consumers’ on-going attraction to experiences over products. People are inherently drawn to music, and while it may be awhile before stadiums are selling out again, there is always a place for live music at a local shopping center.

Farmer’s market and nature trail amenities tied for third revealing consumers’ growing interest in wellness. From fresh food opportunities, to fitness, this overarching theme should continue to be a focus for every development.

There aren’t many new malls being built, but as the big box anchors go dark and the redevelopment opportunities present themselves, we can position the right mix of amenities to enrich an existing center.  NELSON works through many of these redevelopments around the country and we’re noticing that providing programming and experiences to attract and retain consumers is key.

More amenities and service offerings that enhance and bring value to a shopping destination:

• Concierge services – Providing not just valet ride share pickup areas but spaces, environments, and even lounges help improve the experience of arrival and departure from a property
• Curbside pickup and returns – Develop creative ways to utilize excess parking and retail space to set up mini distribution within shopping centers to safely and efficiently deliver merchandise to the consumer

NELSON Worldwide Rendering – Pickup and Returns Concierge Box

• Hands-free shopping – Consumers shop hands-free and when they are done, arrive to a central distribution hub to gather their purchases and be on their way
• Hobby tenants –There is a place in the shopping center mix for the creative community in maker shops, places where people can come to learn how to use tools, 3D printing, computer programs and take classes to further develop their creative hobbies
• Outdoor venues – Plazas that serve up splash fountains, ice skating rinks, movies in the park, outdoor fitness, fashion shows, and artist guilds help energize a center’s value
• Patio dining – As tenants themselves seek additional outdoor dining, developers are looking for opportunities to integrate communal dining al fresco experiences
• Interactive technology – From kids play areas, to walkways and stairwells, integrating next level technology and lighting can provide for experiential exploration throughout these centers
• Crossover space/Pop-ups – Taking advantage of those in-between spaces along secondary pathways can provide opportunities for micro tenants and enhance a curated experience throughout a property  

S-Factory – Seoul, South Korea

The Works – El Segundo, CA

It’s important as designers that we balance programmatic needs of the client with human nature to curate inspiring environments and experiences.  Social connectivity with physical distancing may be today’s design problem, but we must plan with flexibility for a better tomorrow.

Amenities have a profound effect on the value of a building, and new unique experiences make a lasting impression for consumers, employees, hotel guests, and residents. Our mixed-use teammates set out to explore current and future amenity trends in our latest blog series, The Amenity Effect. Follow along as we dive deep into the environments where we work, shop, live, and thrive and take a closer look at the amenities that help make these environments flourish.

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Over the past few weeks we’ve pointed out experiential design opportunities within the realm of live, work, shop, and stay environments, and how amenities can add value to these environments.

While each of these sectors can stand on their own in the market, we are seeing an elevated interest to bring them together in mixed-use developments.  As many urban dwellers of the millennial generation begin having families and settling down, they seek walkable communities with the same  access to services, restaurants, grocery, and entertainment they had downtown. Gen Z seeks the same energy as a college campus, and there are older generations that seek to exchange the empty nest at the end of a cul-de-sac for a more vibrant community surrounded by entertainment, convenience, culture, and activity. Multi-family developments, both urban and suburban, can provide for those transitions.

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“There is no recipe for a great mixed-use development, but there is definitely a secret sauce. This secret sauce is blended together to create an active, engaging, and creative atmosphere, while making guests feel safe and entertained.”

—Michael T. Lentz, Managing Principal,  NELSON Worldwide

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There are several combinations that go into the recipe for an engaging mixed-use development, and we’re breaking them down in this edition of The Amenity Effect:

Inclusive Connectivity

Engaging mixed-use destinations should be inclusive to all types of transportation including cyclists, pedestrians, public transportation and vehicles. Parking amenities like valet, stacked storage, personal garages, ride share nodes and lounges, car washing and detailers stations are all examples of amenities that bring value to a development. Mixed-use developments have a valid role in reducing the need for personal vehicles and encouraging alternative opportunities and amenities. Projects with walking trails, bike paths, and safe sidewalks are  more inclusive and promote connectivity.

NELSON Worldwide’s project Avalon, a premier mixed-use destination located in Alpharetta, Georgia, features dedicated areas for ridesharing and public transportation. And as parking ratios went down, the team was able to transform the underutilized parking decks into valuable, usable, square-footage. 

Avalon – Alpharetta, Georgia | NELSON Worldwide

Convenient Resources

Anchoring a development with a grocer or neighborhood convenience store can shore up a strong retail component, as well as provide value to the residents. Dry cleaning and laundry services add value to the multifamily components, along with style salons and pharmacies. As noted in our residential edition, more people are getting pets and we need to design for the cohabitation, care for and pampering of pets, and mingling of owners. Some seek concierge service to provide housekeeping, care service, delivery services for restaurants and groceries, and even pet sitting or walking.

Fenton | NELSON Worldwide

Community, Creativity & Co-Working

The most lively mixed-use destinations blend community and creativity to bring energy  to the environment. Amenities like community halls and event space for private events and communal gatherings bring value to those who work or live at a development.  

As the work-from-home phenomenon continues, there is a paradigm shift that demands a larger variety of workspaces, going beyond traditional offices and buildings dedicated to specific companies. Now, more than ever, there is a greater need for individual and co-working space, as well as entrepreneurial lounges. Places where people can collaborate, host a presentation, or simply work remote, away from the home will see a broader market. Buildings with indoor, outdoor, and rooftop offerings, coupled with proximity to residential and restaurants aptly position these amenities.  

Creating a district of offerings for creatives; a sort of Maker square can add a layer of richness to the neighborhood. A hub for boutiques and pop-up brands could co-mingle with tech startups that offer access to tools, space, and classes in 3D printing, machinery, creative software, or glass blowing for hobbyists and budding entrepreneurs. Sprinkle in options for the food and beverage arts with cooking and mixology demonstrations.

Industrious – Scottsdale, AZ | NELSON Worldwide

Flexibility to Meet Consumer Demands

The pandemic has reinforced the need for spaces that are easily converted to different uses depending on what the current needs are. Providing pop-op or quick build opportunities for local startup boutiques,  can change up the experience with short-term leases to cycle in new experiences of food, retail,  and health and fitness.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce and a global pandemic causing retail developments to limit capacity or temporarily close, transforming underutilized space into creative pickup and return concepts is a clever and valuable way to meet consumer demands now and in the future. There is a real planning shift in how we design street scape, traffic flow to handle merchandise pickup and returns.  Developers can provide a controlled, branded experience by setting up automated storage pods throughout allowing shoppers to quickly drop off returns or pick up orders without having to go inside a crowded store. Balanced solutions can be planned for within our mixed-use developments with flexible design that can handle adversity to swiftly adapt and evolve through the next pandemic or natural disaster.

Curbside Services- Parking Garage Parcel Pickup pods | NELSON Worldwide

Ghost kitchens continue to fill market demand within communities, whether it’s for office event catering or a family meal.  While the exit of anchor tenants within shopping centers are providing real estate potential for third-party food delivery concepts, there are opportunities within a mixed-use project located in areas that may not be suitable for traditional tenants due t a lack of foot traffic or visibility. Leveraging the localized delivery efficiency can serve as a valuable amenity to a neighborhood. 

Recreational Hobbies 

Fitness opportunities such as rock climbing, CrossFit, and yoga are traditional staples that have found their way into retail settings over the years as the activities have become more popular. However, more of these active hobbies like racquetball, tennis, pickleball, and cornhole are becoming more desirable. Adding these perks to a development differentiate it from others around it, while adding value to the overall community.

In addition, youth travel sports programs have long had a need for facilities within proximity of family lodging, food and beverage, and entertainment, so mixed use developments could promote a valued partnership.  Field house buildings can provide for baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf simulators, and batting cages. Creative nuances are sometimes all it takes to transform a standard amenity to an epic one. 

Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon took a standard track design that traditionally has an open infield and with a simple gesture, threaded it through the woods, creating a unique running experience. Blurring the lines of traditional will also be seen more in seasonal environments. Summer jogging trails and kids’ parks could transition to a winter wonderland by converting a winding trail to ice skating like The Central park Ice skating trail in Maple Minnesota.  Allowing year-round activation promotes outdoor wellness as well as business for the local vendors. 

Wellness

In recent years we’ve noticed a dramatic shift in the way consumers view healthcare. In an era of self-care and “treat yourself” mantras, healthcare is no longer seen just as treatment for an illness or injury. The meaning now expands to beauty, wellness, fitness, and more, and consumers are demanding these services be more accessible. And according to CB Insights, the global wellness industry is worth almost $4 trillion. 

Other examples of health-centric concepts for mixed-use developments are what we call medi-retail offerings. Most of the time, hospitals and health clinics are far away from the city center, with inconvenient parking, and long wait times for appointments. Malls and other retail settings make sense because of their location, ease of access, and dark anchor space, making it a win-win collaboration.

Medi-retail tenants come in all shapes and sizes. From pharmacy extensions and alternative health solutions, to dispensaries and boutique fitness centers, medi-retail opportunities run the gamut.

Medi-Retail Concept | NELSON Worldwide

Mixed-use projects can highlight the features in design supporting our environment and celebrate the invisible amenity features that enhance our experiences, through Wellness integration.  Developers can drive green initiatives for carbon reduction goals by responsible and calculated material sourcing and energy efficiency. A centralized cooling plant can free up rooftops that traditionally house equipment allowing those rooftops to support green roof amenities.  We can elevate workspaces, lounges, fitness and recreation to capture views or an urban farm atop that parking garage.  New building materials and systems can reduce noise and utility bills, while improving indoor air quality that tenants and owners will buy into. 

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“We don’t just reduce our energy consumption to save money, we do it because we care to have a healthy enough planet that enables us to have commerce and therefore buildings to operate our businesses within.”

—Nicole Keeler, Director of Sustainability, NELSON Worldwide

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Rock Row – Westbrook, Maine| NELSON Worldwide

Rock Row located just outside Portland, Maine is an example of local repurpose and transformation. An existing quarry was transformed to provide unique amenity offerings for water recreation, trails and a light and water show called the quarry spectacular.

Programing events with a variety of options to fill the calendar year-round has been fruitful for many mixed-use developments. Coordination of schedule for holiday events, fitness programs, kids crafts, auto shows, movie nights, artist guilds, farmers’ markets, live music, fashion shows, game day tailgates, and more is key to keeping a well-oiled machine. Harnessing social media can leverage the FOMO culture by creating must have experiences. Many centers look to set up, look-at-me now installations like murals, sculptures, and interactive showpieces for those Instagram selfies which in-turn drive traffic. Designing in technology and infrastructure to support the activities of today and planning for tomorrow is important to activate and coordinate with other areas of the center to give people real experiential amenities. 

A diverse and active community will continue to be the cornerstone of a successful mixed-use development for decades to come and it will be the evolution of the experiences we collaboratively create that will make them thrive.

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“Amenities are often the driver which transforms a ‘place’ into a ‘destination’ providing a range of service, comfort, and unexpected delight. Coupled with a program of events, well thought out amenities have a direct impact on dwell time and return visits.”

—Eric Arter, Vice President, NELSON Worldwide

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