What exactly is considered “Mixed-Use?” Well, in Philadelphia you can have C-1, C-2, and so on and so forth.
But what do those classifications actually mean? They mean that depending on what the developer wants to accomplish, he/she will have to conform to the City’s zoning code.
Philadelphia’s new zoning code (which was introduced in August 2012) was designed to meet 21st century demand: population increases in dense, urban areas. Therefore, the City is actually encouraging mixed-use projects throughout different neighborhoods; that is, depending on the neighborhood and scope of the project.
In my own personal opinion, a mixed-use project accomplishes a few things: 1) It allows the residents easy access to things they need (e.g. a local market, coffee shop, dry cleaner, etc.), 2) It allows the business to create a consistent flow of customers (by pulling/retaining business directly from the building), 3) It helps create a more dense, urban environment (which seems to be what every city is striving for these days), and 4) It can be more cost effective. Now #4 will vary with every project, but the goal is to create a “win-win-win” (a “win” for the resident, “win” for the business, and “win” for the developer).
If you like, throw in a fourth “win” for the City of Philadelphia.
PhiladelphiaPlaneto.com has produced a great story highlighting some mixed-use projects trying to hit the market in 2013.
