From Malls to Mixed Use: Transforming Retail Centers into Vibrant Neighborhoods

What happens when yesterday's malls become tomorrow's neighborhoods? Across the country, underperforming retail centers are being reimagined as thriving, mixed-use districts that bring walkability, public life, and urban energy to new markets. These large-scale redevelopments offer a unique opportunity to deliver people-first urban experiences in places long shaped by car-centric infrastructure and single-use zoning. This panel features the developers and visionaries behind some of the most ambitious retail transformations underway—including CityPlace in West Palm Beach, Hillsdale in San Mateo, Charleston Place in Mountain View, and Bristol in Santa Ana. Through these real-world case studies, we'll explore strategies for delivering a high-impact public realm, phasing and brand-building, bringing retailers on board, and activating spaces that keep people coming back. It's not just about real estate—it's about creating places people love.