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It seems that most major building projects proposed these days are identified as “mixed-use.” Why are so many of these types of buildings being proposed and built in Madison?

The increased number of mixed-use projects sprouting up around Madison has been driven by the shift away from automobile-oriented settlement patterns, according to Katherine Cornwell, Madison’s planning director.

This change is largely caused by greater interest in urban living, particularly among young people, she said. Mixed-use projects, which generally combine residential and commercial space, usually have good access to public transportation.

The greater access to free or low-cost transportation affords urban dwellers more disposable income for other uses, she said.

Mixed-use development works best in areas like Downtown and the Near East Side, where transit options are abundant and dense residential or employment uses create a strong customer base for ground-floor retail, restaurants or services.