South Greensboro Area Plan - Public Review Draft - 9.25.25

08.05 Catalyst Sites & Opportunities

The study area presents several opportunities for revitalization and strategic growth through targeted catalyst projects. Community preferences indicate strong support for anchor tenant shopping centers—particularly those anchored by a grocery store—as well as smaller, neighborhood-scaled centers that support local businesses. These preferences highlight the need to better understand and capture existing and future demand. A key opportunity lies in marketing the area as a viable and attractive place to do business. By promoting the area’s assets and aligning development efforts with community desires, it becomes possible to attract the types of commercial and residential projects that residents want to see. Balancing housing types is also essential. Increasing the supply of market-rate housing can help meet demand, support population growth, and create the residential density needed to sustain new retail and service businesses. This is especially important given the principle that “retail follows rooftops”— retailers are more likely to invest in areas with a strong and growing residential base.

Aging commercial properties and areas with excess retail space offer prime sites for infill development. These locations can be repurposed for new housing or mixed-use projects that better serve current market needs. Supporting this effort, a market study and an economic development study can provide data-driven insights into demand trends, spending power, and business attraction strategies. Draft

Feedback on engagement board from workshop. (Source: Bolton & Menk)

Road and better understand the retail market.) Additionally, the area’s visibility from nearby freeways presents a unique opportunity. Development along these corridors can capitalize on high traffic volumes and regional access, making them ideal for both commercial and residential investment. Together, these strategies form a foundation for catalytic change— leveraging existing assets, aligning with community goals, and positioning the area for sustainable, inclusive growth.

(The City of Greensboro is already contracted with a professional real estate market analysis and solutions firm to recruit businesses to Randleman

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Housing & Economy

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT - 9/25/25