MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Most developers specialize in a specific product like multifamily, single-user retail, light industrial, etc. They meticulously hunt for properties that meet their strict requirements, and rarely work outside of those parameters.
Orchestra Partners specializes in mixed-use redevelopment. Our projects include a diverse blend of residential and commercial spaces, linked together by green space, recreational amenities, and both public and private pedestrian connections. The spaces we design and build are unique and memorable, which leads to longer patronage times, more social media engagement, and more sales.
However, before a space can be designed and built, it has to be planned. Orchestra Partners is one of the few development firms in the country that offers master development planning services to both private and public clients. Our plans contemplate a host of variables, such as public street design/traffic volume, market demand for different asset classes (multifamily, retail, hospitality, etc), and maximization of public amenities like parks, rivers, etc. Most importantly, we can include individual project feasibility studies that highlight Phase 1 of the plan itself.
If you are a city, investor, or property owner interested in a master development plan, contact us today.
Case Study 1: Orchestra was hired to master plan a large former industrial site, with a focus on creative uses, historic preservation, and the generation of long-term cash flow.
The site’s location on a major artery and near a popular commercial district presented opportunities for many uses, and the property’s size meant that any uses with softer demand could be phased in over time.
The result was a deep dive into site design, tenant programming, and a financial analysis that allowed the owners to make key decisions around leasing, company growth, and their property’s legacy.
Case Study 2: Orchestra Partners was hired by Phenix City, AL to create a master development plan for their riverfront. The focus was on using publicly-owned property to connect their Main Street to the river walk with a park that would catalyze private investment in the area.
The result was a plan that proposed an oval park anchored by a brewery and flanked by popup retail. Future mixed-use, multifamily, and hotel projects would overlook the park and river, and establish design and use precedents for future development.
Case Study 3: In 2023, Gadsden, AL hired Orchestra Partners to create a master development plan for city-owned property overlooking the Coosa River. The main goal was to evaluate options for relocation of city hall, which would unlock valuable real estate overlooking the river.
The plan also considered additional parcels owned by the city, as well as a complete redesign of Hwy 411 that redirected non-local traffic around downtown and facilitated easier pedestrian access to the riverfront from the urban core.
Master Development Planning includes a custom assortment of the following:
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Statement of Development Mission
“Steering Committee” creation, if applicable
Strategies to help craft code/design standards
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Site use and tenant programming recommendations
Gateway impact analysis
Streetscape & connectivity assessment
Façade and landscape survey
Signage and wayfinding recommendations
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Submarket demographics
Acquisition and site expansion options
Trade area demand analysis
Housing data and population growth overview
Asset mapping and obstacle navigation
Parking, transit, and walkability analysis
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RFP creation (for public clients)
Placemaking and activation ideas
Leasing & culture creation proposal
New business/tenant recruitment strategy
General capital sources planning (loans, grants, tax credits, etc)
“You get the plan, you get the proforma. You get help with historic tax credits. we get help with curating tenants...[Orchestra Partners] don’t give you a plan and say ‘See you later.’”
