From Single-Use to Mixed-Use: Managing the Shift in CRE Operations

As mixed-use developments gain traction across markets, many owners are reimagining existing single-use properties—such as office buildings or retail centers—as integrated environments that combine multiple asset types. But this transition is far more complex than adding new tenants. It requires a fundamental shift in how properties are operated, reconciled, and maintained.

This session explores the operational and financial challenges of converting single-use assets into mixed-use properties. Attendees will learn how to navigate differences in operating expense reconciliation between office and retail components, manage shared systems like HVAC and grease traps, and retrofit buildings not originally designed for multi-use functionality. The discussion will also cover how property managers can evolve their skill sets to support diverse tenant needs and how owners can align capital planning with long-term mixed-use goals.

Whether you're preparing for a conversion or already managing a hybrid asset, this session will provide the insights and tools needed to lead the transition with confidence.

Learning Objectives—At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate operating expense reconciliation practices between office and retail components and apply strategies for equitable cost allocation.
• Evaluate the physical and operational challenges of retrofitting single-use buildings into mixed-use formats, including shared system management.
• Develop a transition roadmap that aligns capital improvements, lease structures, and tenant experience across asset types.
• Adapt property management practices to support the unique demands of mixed-use environments and foster cross-functional collaboration.