Precasts gives mixed-use buildings an assist when it comes to creating room within tight quarters.

Across the US, major new urban town centers are rising out of the ground. And as real estate prices continue to skyrocket, using space efficiently has become a key driver for developers to create mixed-use buildings. Making the best use of available space not only raises revenue per square foot, it also frees up more room for green spaces and other open areas.

Currently, mixed-use projects are a strong field for a variety of other reasons. A key element is the growth of outlying communities that were designed originally to support areas for central urban areas. However, they were not created to operate as such. Many smaller communities were designed without a town center, so mixed-use properties have a lot of opportunity to provide a major gathering place for these communities.

Precast Offers Advantages in Mixed Use Projects

The versatility offered by precast systems provides considerable added value to a project such as a mixed use building. The downtown urban site, with its minimal staging area, requires a method of constructability that is efficient, fast and safe, with minimal impact on the residents and neighboring merchants. Precast erects very quickly and more cleanly than cast-in-place structures.

The need to blend a variety of functions and work in crowded urban or busy suburban areas often leads designers to use architectural precast concrete panels for their projects. In many cases, designers would like to match aspects of an existing neighborhood or other parts of a campus, which also features precast concrete facades. Clark Pacific precast allows for the matching of stone and other surfaces by creating veneers to be placed in front of precast panels for support.

Precast offers a strong solution for urban environments, where much mixed-use and retail is the focus. It eliminates any onsite congestion and safety issues by needing little scaffolding and being easy to erect. It is a highly durable and easy to work alternative. Clark Pacific precast also offers flexibility for meeting the client’s needs while providing a high-quality, economic answer.

Sustainability in a Mixed-Use Environment is Key

Precast concrete also aids clients in meeting sustainability goals. The concept of sustainability makes sense in today’s world. More and more of our clients request sustainable features as it helps with their marketing efforts and more importantly is kind to our very fragile ecological environment. More and more companies now look to “Green” buildings to lease as opposed to those that are not so eco-friendly. It is a win-win proposition - maintenance costs are lowered and energy savings increase. Clients are receptive to this concept because it lowers costs without sacrificing quality, comfort and style.

Efficient Use of Space

Limited access to a site can make it necessary to use precast. Within an urban setting, the site is often bounded by existing buildings and an active thoroughfare adjacent to the project. With close coordination between crane and crew for the precast erection, projects are completed within time and budget. To aid in the efficiency needed to work within a tight space, Clark Pacific precast components can help to not only meet functional needs but save time and money while creating a visually pleasing design.

A Changing Demographic

As more and more people move back into cities, there is a changing demographic that has helped spur the need for mixed-use buildings. People want buildings that will last, are kind to the environment, and help to nurture a community. In many cases, these new "town centers" often begin with retail space and add other amenities and functions to create an activity center that draws users all day long. And as the need for these mixed-use buildings continue to increase, Clark Pacific will be there to lead the charge in the designing, manufacturing and building of these structures that are slowly becoming the town symbol and gathering place for the neighborhood at large.