Vertical Mixed Use Developments

Vertical Mixed Use developments, or VMUs, are a class of properties designated by the City of Austin. They are properties that incorporate residential and retail spaces but are supposed to go up more than they go out. For example, rather than featuring a huge tract of land with strip centers interspersed with apartment buildings, a vertical mixed use development will have retail space on the ground floor with residential space on subsequent floors.

In order to be classified as a vertical mixed use development, a property must have multiple stories, combine retail and residential spaces, and also provide green space like a park or garden. The developments are designed to combine more people into a smaller, somewhat self contained area. The idea is that if the stores a person needs are located right below the house or apartment, that person will be more likely to walk to the store than drive somewhere for the same goods.

One of the most common things to go into a vertical mixed use development is restaurants. These fill the demand for food and allow people to walk to their dinner. Unfortunately, a lot of the retail spaces in VMU developments are not filled with useful stores but rather stores targeting a niche or a want. Very few VMU properties contain grocery stores or are even within walking distance of one.

The City of Austin likes this style of development as it encourages less sprawl because it builds up rather than out. It also is supposed to cut down on pollution and congestion by allowing residents to walk to their needs.

Contact an Austin Realtor

For more information on vertical mixed use developments and other housing options in the Austin area, contact an Austin realtor from The Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.