New mixed-use developments are moving beyond the old “retail on the bottom, apartments on top” formula. The most successful projects today are finding intentional, human-scale ways to connect commercial tenants directly with residents—creating spaces that actually work together.
A great example is our leasing project, Two Park Central.
Connecting Retail Directly to Residents
At Two Park Central, the development team introduced a cut-out service window from Sought and Found Café directly into the residential lobby. Instead of separating the commercial and residential components, this design intentionally connects them.
Residents don’t need to step outside, cross a plaza, or “leave the building” to support the café. They can grab coffee or food seamlessly as part of their daily routine—on the way out the door, after work, or while passing through the lobby.
Why This Works for Residents
From a residential standpoint, this kind of integration adds real value:
- Everyday convenience built directly into the building
- A more active, welcoming lobby environment
- Stronger connection to local businesses without added friction
It turns shared space into a functional amenity, not just a pass-through.
Why This Works for the Business
For the commercial tenant, the benefit is just as strong:
- Built-in daily exposure to residents
- Increased foot traffic without relying solely on street visibility
- A customer base that naturally becomes loyal through proximity
This kind of placement increases reach while keeping the business grounded in the community it serves.
Cohesive Design Creates Better Buildings
When commercial and residential uses are intentionally designed to interact, the entire building performs better. Residents feel more connected, businesses thrive, and the development gains character and identity rather than feeling segmented or generic.
This is the future of mixed-use done well—not just stacking uses, but integrating them thoughtfully.
At JR Mercantile, this is the lens we bring to leasing. We look beyond square footage and ask how spaces can work together to create stronger buildings and better long-term outcomes for owners, tenants, and the surrounding community.
To learn more about our unique approach to leasing, connect with us today!
