Greyfield malls catalog released

The next phase in CNU’s ongoing study of the nation’s obsolete shopping malls will help communities determine if local malls are ripe for revitalization and will propose policies for making redevelopment easier. Amid growing national attention to the problem of suburban decay, CNU is staying at the forefront of research into one part of the solution — the revitalization of greyfield malls. In October, CNU will complete a major phase in its greyfield mall study with the release of a catalog of successful redevelopment projects. The catalog will detail the development programs for 14 projects and will tell the stories behind six successful mall redevelopments. All of the projects included are either complete, under construction, or approved, making the catalog a valuable resource on how vision turns into reality. The book will be for sale at CNU.org. Building on the knowledge gained from this and earlier work on greyfield malls, CNU embarks on another year of study and publishing on this topic. We have received grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Surdna Foundation to fund an additional research phase. “This research will help local leaders, developers, planners, and citizens determine whether their local mall is a good prospect for redevelopment,” says Ellen Greenberg, CNU’s director of policy and research. “We will give people specific instructions on how to determine whether their mall — and their community — has the conditions necessary for success.” What makes a mall suitable for redevelopment? CNU, with consultants Bill Anderson of Economic Research Associates (ERA) and Ed Starkie, will test the hypothesis that many greyfield malls have characteristics that make them particularly well suited for smart growth revitalization projects, such as central locations and public transportation access. If the evidence supports that hunch, CNU will be able to demonstrate that new urbanist redevelopment can strengthen communities with new neighborhoods and business districts while building on existing assets. That, in turn, would justify public support of such mall revitalization projects. In focused case studies, CNU will interview mall stakeholders to investigate the mechanisms by which new urbanist revitalization projects are implemented on some sites, and identify the barriers preventing successful revitalization on others. The case studies will include malls that are currently underused, as well as those where significant reinvestment or redesign is complete or underway. If the interviews find common reasons for malls' failure to be redeveloped, the research could help create an argument for governments to make it easier to redevelop greyfields. For example, it could be that changes in taxation, subsidies, or the approval process could make redevelopment easier. The results of this detailed research will be compiled in a how-to manual for local officials, planners, shopping center owners, and developers seeking opportunities for smart growth projects. The manual will cover why these sites are ripe for new urbanist revitalization, the elements of a successful revitalization project, suggestions for public-private partnerships, and information about public programs that help overcome barriers to revitalization. CNU is seeking funding for additional work. Our long- term agenda includes training workshops on techniques for mall revitalization, and research on other types of greyfields, including strip centers and power centers.