From rooftop gardens, to edible landscaping, to farm-focused developments, to urban food markets, to breweries in once-derelict industrial spaces, food is transforming marginal real estate and underused spaces in new and dramatic ways. Food can have a big impact on the success or failure of new development, particularly when it is part of a larger place-making and revitalization strategy.

1. Food Halls
Economic Catalyst
or Fad?

2. Food is transforming
marginal real estate and
underutilized spaces in new
dramatic ways...

3. From rooftop
gardens...

4. to breweries in
once derelict
industrial spaces...

5. to edible
landscaping....

6. and most
significantly, urban
food markets.

7. Food can have a significant impact on the success
or failure of new development.

8. Food halls can play an important role in urban
revitalization efforts.

9. Food markets are not new.
Since ancient times people have
gathered food options in a single place.

10. The Past
The history of food halls can
be traced back to Harrods
Department Store in 1859.

11. Today
Food halls are popping up in
urban and suburban centers.

12. The number of food halls has almost doubled
since 2015.
Approximately 70
food halls in 2015
Approximately 131
food halls in 2017
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Report

13. Three trends have led to
the rapid proliferation of
food halls ...

14. Residential units are
getting smaller and
shared spaces are getting
larger.
1

15. Americans are spending
more on restaurants than
on groceries.
2
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Report

16. Food connoisseurship
has exploded with the
prevalence of “foodie
culture.”
3

17. Definitions
To understand food halls, it is
important to understand how they
differ from other food venues.

18. Mostly National Brands
Fast Food to Fast Casual
Focus on Convenience
Little Retail
Food Court

19. Mostly Local Brands
“Mom & Pop” Stalls
Little Gathering Space
Mostly Retail
Market

20. Both Local & National Brands
Curated Mix of Tenants
Plenty of Gathering Space
Balanced Retail & Food
Food Hall

21. A contextual representation of
community shaped by context and
a clear neighborhood amenity.
Curation is the key.
Modern Food Halla

22. NeighborhoodMicro Destination
< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
NeighborhoodMicro Destination
< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
NeighborhoodMicro Destination
< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
NeighborhoodMicro Destination
< 10,000 sf 10,000 sf - 30,000 sf > 30,000 sf
Modern food halls can support redevelopment
at three different scales

23. NeighborhoodMicro Destination
< 10,000 sf
Enliven a street
Most patrons get
there by walking
Fills the needs of
people within the
building
10,000 sf - 30,000 sf
Enliven a
neighborhood
More local feel
Visitors will walk 5
minutes or more
> 30,000 sf
Enliven a region
Tourist attraction
with local appeal
Visitors will travel
miles by car

24. Micro food halls can activate
hard-to-use spaces...
Micro

25. and can create a seamless and
active sidewalk.
Micro

26. Neighborhood
Neighborhood food halls can
act as a sign of neighborhood
investment, which can prompt
future development.

27. They can act as an extension
of the living room that urban
dwellers seek.
Neighborhood

28. Destination food halls can
redevelop underutilized
buildings and revitalize the
urban fabric...
Destination

29. while also offering the
opportunity to create spaces that
address the public realm.
Destination

30. Food halls act as a catalyst
when...

31. they are part of a larger holistic rehabilitation project,

32. are shaped by their context,

33. have a measured influence in the community,

34. and serve as a community amenity.

35. Cooper Carry has
designed plans,
buildings, and
spaces that transform
communities.

36. Sarah Jane Bonn
sarahjanebonn@coopercarry.com
Nicolia Robinson, AICP
nicoliarobinson@coopercarry.com
Contact us to learn more.
Daniel Sweeney, AIA
danielsweeney@coopercarry.com