mixed-use
Mar 31, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
The Port Authority in San Antonio has been moving forward in the proposed US$275 million Innovation Tower, which will transform the former Kelly Air Force Base. The 11-story building, designed by Pelli & Clark, will include office space and high-end amenities and stand as a landmark for the surrounding community, showcasing the area's role in advanced industries.
Spanning 1,900 acres (769 hectares), Port San Antonio’s Tech Port Campus just southwest of downtown San Antonio is home to leading global industries: aerospace, defense, global logistics, manufacturing, cybersecurity, education and much more. It was named the 2024 Outstanding Innovation District by the Association of University Research Parks and the site has generated over 9,000 jobs, with officials aiming to double that number.
Recent investments at Port San Antonio include the US$73 million USD Boeing Center at Tech Port, an esports arena and concert venue, and two cybersecurity office buildings. The site has maintained a 97 percent occupancy rate across its 10 million square feet (929,000 square meters) of space.
Port San Antonio leaders emphasize that the Innovation Tower is designed to attract aerospace and defense industries by offering modern, well-lit office spaces rather than outdated hangars and older buildings. Additionally, the tower is intended as a landmark for the surrounding community, showcasing the area’s role in advanced industries. The facility will also include a large childcare center, a fitness center, and a grocery store to serve the growing workforce.
Learn more at Texas Public Radio
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Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
$331 Million Loan Secured For 40-Story Residential On Jersey City’S Gold CoastTishman Speyer has closed a US$331 million construction loan from Canadian investor CPDQ to build 50 Hudson, a 40-story tower in Jersey City. The project is the second phase of a two-building development totaling 1,941 apartments and 70,000 square feet (6,503 square meters) of retail space along New Jersey’s Gold Coast.
The building at 50 Hudson will feature 924 apartments—ranging from studios to two-bedrooms—with Energy Star appliances and select units offering views of New York Harbor and the Lower Manhattan skyline. It will also include 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) of retail space.
Amenities at 50 Hudson will include a swimming pool, fitness center, and courts for tennis and pickleball. Residents will also benefit from nearby dining and transit options, as well as proximity to Liberty State Park and Jersey City’s waterfront promenade, which will be expanded with a new public plaza as part of the development.
Designed by Handel Architects and Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects, with interiors by Michaelis Boyd and landscaping by Hollander Design and Melillo Bauer Carman, 50 Hudson will share a cohesive design vision with its neighboring high-rise development, the 58-story 55 Hudson, bringing 1,017 units and is already under construction, set to open in 2027.
Construction on 50 Hudson is set to begin this spring, with completion expected in 2028.
Learn more at Multi-Housing News.commixed-use
18 April 2025
Building Systems UK
Green Light For £200M Gresham Revival: Middlesbrough’S Biggest Urban Regeneration In A GenerationMiddlesbrough is set to undergo a major transformation as planning approval is granted for a £200 million mixed-use regeneration scheme in the heart of the town centre.
Led by developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property, in partnership with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation, the ambitious Gresham Street project will be delivered by Wates Group—appointed as lead contractor for what is being hailed as the most significant investment in the town for a generation.
The first phase of the masterplan includes more than 240 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and accommodation for over 450 students. Talks are also progressing with global hotel brand Fairfield by Marriott to open a 200-bed hotel as part of the development.
Set on a long-derelict brownfield site, the regeneration forms a key part of the wider Middlesbrough masterplan. A new pedestrian route is also being planned to link Diamond Road with Linthorpe Road and King Edward’s Square, reconnecting key parts of the town.
Wates’ Managing Director for Construction East, David Wingfield, said: “We’ve been delivering projects in Middlesbrough for almost a decade, and this scheme represents a real leap forward. Regeneration should outlast the building itself—it’s about creating thriving places and delivering long-term value to the community.
“With this project, we’re aiming to generate more than £50 million in social value, ensuring we leave a legacy that benefits the people of Middlesbrough well into the future.”
Neil McMillan, Director at iMpeC, echoed the transformative potential of the project: “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s essential for Middlesbrough’s future prosperity and will support local businesses, create jobs, and help shape a vibrant new chapter for the town.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is a landmark development for Middlesbrough. Our Development Corporation is helping to cut through red tape and bring long-neglected areas like Gresham back to life. It’s about getting on with the job and delivering a town centre where people want to live, work, and relax.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer following the recent transfer of land and assets from Middlesbrough Council to the Development Corporation.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionalsmixed-use
17 April 2025
Construction Dive
Gilbane Taps Nyc Construction Veteran As City Business LeaderProvidence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co. has promoted a New York City building industry stalwart to lead its business operations in the Big Apple. The builder tapped Raquel Diaz, who previously worked at New York City-based firms AECOM Tishman and Turner Construction, to the post, according to an April 11 news release.
An engineer by training, Diaz brings more than 18 years of experience and $2.8 billion in project deliveries in New York City, according to the release.
“New York City has been my home since I moved here at 18. It is such an honor to lead Gilbane Building’s operations and to bring excellence to the hospitals, parks, schools, office buildings and community facilities that make New York City great,” Diaz said in the release.
In her new role, Diaz will drive strategy and growth for the company in New York City, expand its market portfolio and service offerings, foster team development and growth and deliver world-class facilities for clients and communities, per the release. Prior to the promotion, Diaz was a vice president for Gilbane, according to her LinkedIn.
Since joining Gilbane in 2019, Diaz has significantly expanded the builder’s public sector portfolio, which includes:
Diaz brings deep operational expertise and has served in various roles throughout her career, including MEP project manager, MEP superintendent, estimating/purchasing engineer, senior project manager, project director and project executive on high-profile projects in the New York metropolitan area, per the news release.mixed-use
14 April 2025
Building Systems UK
Manchester Gives Green Light To Build Uk’S Tallest Tower Outside London, Developed By SalboyManchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester.
Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers:
A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom hotel, restaurant and 452 branded residences, delivered in partnership with luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, to help meet growing demand for high-quality accommodation for the international city’s residents and visitors. These branded residences mark Nobu Hospitality’s debut in the UK’s luxury real estate market.
Like the adjacent 40-storey tower built during Viadux’s first phase, the 76-storey tower is hugely architecturally ambitious. To be known as Nobu Manchester, the tower will be elevated above ground with its foundations built under a retained Victorian archway. Standing at 246 metres, the tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London.
A second (yet to be named) building on Great Bridgewater Street, will stand at 23-storeys tall and will create 133 new apartments aimed at the affordable homes market in a hugely well-connected and desirable part of Manchester.
Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our plans to complete the Viadux masterplan. Viadux promises to deliver a neighbourhood of high-quality, design-led homes that meet Manchester’s substantial need for accommodation at a range of price points and tenure types, while bringing to the Manchester cityscape a truly crowning feature.
“Once completed, the Viadux scheme will have entirely regenerated an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site, in easy walking distance of all of Manchester’s central business, retail and leisure districts, and added almost 1,000 brand new homes to a coveted and popular location for the city’s professional population.
“Manchester is a fast-expanding city that is quickly and emphatically achieving its ambitions to become a global leader in business, sport, leisure and academia. It’s a belief that we’ve long held that Manchester deserves to be home to architectural and engineering feats that before now have been the preserve of other global cities.
“As the location of not just the tallest tower outside London but a large number of high quality affordable homes, Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city’s aspirations and confidence in itself. Viadux now promises to shape not only Manchester’s skyline for years to come, but the city’s sense of identity on the global stage.”
Since plans were first drawn up in 2017, the full Viadux scheme has been designed by Manchester-born architects, SimpsonHaugh, with culturally and historically sensitive regeneration always front of mind.
Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality: “We’re thrilled to see the Viadux 2 development move forward with planning approval. Manchester is a vibrant, world-class city, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will bring the Nobu experience to this destination through a truly exceptional mixed-use project. Alongside our signature Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, the Nobu Residences will offer a unique opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle. Viadux 2 represents the kind of visionary development we seek—integrated, design-led, and rooted in cultural and community connection.”
Ian Simpson, Co-Founder, SimpsonHaugh: “Viadux’s phased development has required vision, a pioneering approach, and innovation to bring life back to an urban area in Manchester City Centre on a challenging site that incorporates the restoration of a Grade II listed brick viaduct. Viadux Phase 2 will see the development of a beautiful and elegant mixed-use building that will define the Manchester skyline, providing high-quality private and affordable homes and an amazing world-class hotel.”
Viadux’s first phase – a 40-storey tower comprising 370 apartments and a wealth of quality resident amenities – was completed on time, on budget and fully sold out. This tower is now known as Viadux.
Salboy’s construction partner Domis expects to commence work on the site this year.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionalsmixed-use
11 April 2025
Detail
Expo Osaka 2025 – The Future Of Our SocietyThe German Pavilion is all about the cycle (of materials). Rendering © German Pavilion / MIR LAVA ff
The world's eyes are on Japan, which will host Expo 2025 in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives“. In a country that has always been known for its thirst for innovation and aesthetic precision, this year not only the future of society is being rethought, but also that of architecture. The event brings together impressive national pavilions and numerous initiatives and projects that aim to present forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable society. Expo 2025 will also be a testing ground for innovative construction methods and materials that push the boundaries of modern architecture. In particular, circular economy and resource-efficient construction are central to both the master plan and the pavilions.
Sou Fujimoto's master plan for Expo 2025 is based on the principles of openness, connectivity and flexibility. The site is designed to allow fluid transitions between different areas, encouraging intuitive visitor movement without rigid pathways. The circular Grand Ring, which connects the various pavilions and themed areas, provides central orientation. The concept is complemented by elevated walkways, ramps and extensive green spaces. Sustainability also plays a central role: in addition to modular, reusable structures, the site is characterised by water features and planted areas. At the same time, Fujimoto is integrating digital technologies to create interactive and immersive experiences that make the Expo's theme – the future of a liveable society – spatially tangible.
The Grand Ring is the central structure of Expo 2025, a wide-span wooden structure 700 m in diameter and approximately 20 m high, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest wooden structure in the world. The structure is based on a modular design of glued wooden beams joined together without metal joints using traditional Japanese mortise and tenon techniques. This sustainable construction method not only conserves resources, but also allows the elements to be disassembled and reused.
The German Pavilion at Expo 2025 embodies the principle of circular economy in both content and architecture. Designed by LAVA Laboratory for Visionary Architecture, its striking ensemble of circular wooden buildings is intended to reflect the idea of closed material cycles and is itself designed as a completely circular building – all materials are reusable or recyclable. With interactive exhibition elements, a sophisticated climate concept and green landscaping, the pavilion aims to showcase innovative ways to achieve sustainable construction and a resource-efficient future.
Nüssli is building this year's Swiss Pavilion in collaboration with Manuel Herz Architects. It consists of five interconnected spheres whose pneumatic lightweight construction allows for sustainable and transportable architecture. The exhibition is designed to guide visitors through immersive experiences where they can explore Switzerland's innovative strength and create their own visions of a future society. Plants, reusable materials and the integration of light and colour underline the ecological concept, while the character Heidi serves as a bridge to Japanese culture.
With the intention of representing the country's cultural roots, Nüssli combines traditional materials such as brick, clay and wood in the Uzbek Pavilion. An 8 m high wooden sculpture symbolising the forest is the focal point, referring to the exchange of knowledge and the ornamentation of Uzbek culture. The open, modular structure and sustainable use of materials, including local Sugi wood from Osaka, invite visitors to actively experience and reflect on the transformation of Uzbekistan.
The Nordic Pavilion, designed by Michele De Lucchi and the AMDL Circle, is a 17 m high wooden structure that reflects the Nordic countries' connection to sustainable construction and timber from forestry. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are jointly presenting their innovative strength here. The dark facade, treated with natural oils and pigments, is reminiscent of traditional wood protection techniques and encourages engagement with climate issues. In the open interior, an immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore Nordic advances in sustainability and technology, while the roof terrace offers space for exchange and encounters.
Foster + Partners' Saudi Arabia Pavilion offers a multi-sensory journey through the kingdom, from vast deserts to vibrant cities. Constructed from light Saudi stone and inspired by traditional villages, the structure uses computational fluid dynamics for natural cooling and ventilation. Built to be sustainable with low carbon consumption, photovoltaic panels and rainwater recycling, the pavilion aims to showcase both technological innovation and the country's cultural heritage.
Designed by Kengo Kuma, the Portugal Pavilion brings the ocean to Osaka, translating the movement of water into architecture. Its facade, made of countless taut ropes and recycled fishing nets, reacts to wind and light, creating ever-changing patterns reminiscent of waves. The structure, which appears to float, is intended to symbolise Portugal's close connection to the sea and to address the sustainable use of the oceans, technological innovation and the importance of maritime heritage for the future.
Designed by Nikken Sekkei Architects, the Japanese Pavilion is a circular structure made up of countless wooden slats, mainly CLT, which provide views and perspectives and make the theme of “in-between“ tangible in both architecture and content. The pavilion is based on the principle of circulation – both in the way visitors move around it, and in the concept of a living building that uses its own biogas plant to generate energy from Expo waste. After the exhibition, the wood will be reused, making the pavilion a symbol of a closed life cycle.
The Qatar Pavilion, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with Qatar Museums, combines Qatar's boat building tradition with Japanese wood joining skills to create a delicate wooden structure covered in a white sail-like fabric. The architecture draws on the shared maritime heritage of both nations and references the ocean as a space for exchange and connection. Inside, the exhibition showcases Qatar's Vision 2030 and current strategies for economic diversification.
With the Blue Ocean Dome, Shigeru Ban and Kenya Hara make a radical and sensual statement for the protection of the oceans. Three interconnected domes – made of bamboo, recycled cardboard tubes and carbon fibre – represent innovative lightweight construction methods that require no supporting columns. In the first dome, fine droplets of water spiral through the space, showcasing the element as something precious and fragile. This is followed by an immersive experience space with a 360° film projection designed to communicate the urgency of action against plastic pollution. Finally, in the third dome, the pavilion opens up into a discursive forum where international stakeholders will debate new approaches to marine conservation during the Expo.
Venue: Expo Site, Yumeshima, Osaka, Kansai (JP) Exhibition Duration: 13 April to 13 October 2025 Opening hours: daily 9 am – 11 pm
More information: expo2025.ormixed-use
10 April 2025
Construction Dive
Chicago Asks City Contractors To Cut Invoices By 3%Henry Lopez, the president of Chicago-based Accel Construction, said his company has performed jobs for the city for a little over a decade. Accel gets as much as 70% of its business from public contracts.
When he first received the letter, he initially thought it was a joke. He said that his company’s profit margin is often 3%.
“To ask for, essentially, 100% of our profits back is an insult,” Lopez said. He told the city he wouldn't be changing anything, and that he has yet to have a conversation with any other construction pros who would participate.
The March 16 letter didn’t describe the specific economic conditions that precipitated the request — however, the city is facing a $175 million budget shortfall due to a failure by Chicago Public Schools to reimburse the city for pension payments, according to local news outlet ABC7.
It also raised taxes and fees on parking, streaming services and grocery bags to help close a larger, $982 million gap from its $17.1 billion budget, which was passed in December.
Sheila Marionneaux, director of public affairs for the city’s procurement department, said that it’s regular practice for municipalities to search for cost savings across different budgets in times of urgent need.
“The purpose of the cost reduction request to vendors is the rollout of the budget commitment to support the department budget goal,” Marionneaux said in an email.
Gomez said that the city has made similar requests for price reductions in the past, under the administrations of former Mayors Rahm Emanuel and Richard Daley, but not without giving a warning first. But doing so now puts contractors in an almost impossible position, she said, “particularly of small businesses that feel that, ‘If I don't do it, will I get future work?’”
The letter states that the city would appreciate a response “even if you are not able to accommodate the request at this time.”
Gomez warned that the request, should vendors comply, could put small businesses under significant financial strain. If a prime contractor takes the 3% cut and they funnel it down to their subcontractors, Gomez warned, already thin profit margins could dwindle further.
“We’re talking about small businesses potentially going out of business,” Gomez said.mixed-use
10 April 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Approval Gained For Central Park In New City Development In Western SydneyProgress in the Bradfield City Centre, one of Australia’s largest economic development projects, has advanced with the plans for Bradfield City Centre’s iconic Central Park now approved. The 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, is set to become a hub for innovation, education, and advanced industries at the core of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The Central Park design showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dharug people. A standout feature is the iconic Sky Ring, celebrating, protecting and focusing on the sky while providing shelter, directing rainwater, and supporting misting water technology systems. More than 550 mature trees and 70,000 species of native plants will create a green oasis with public art, active learning, and gathering spaces. The design also features a multi-generational interwoven play area and a Gathering Green for major community events. It will be supported by innovative technology to best care for the park and its users, adapting to a changing climate and a new, growing city.
With the design now approved, a construction partner will be appointed to deliver the park. This follows significant progress in Bradfield City Centre, with the approval of the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan in 2024 and the recent opening of the First Building, a low-carbon, timber manufacturing facility, and housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).
The development is expected to generate 20,000 direct jobs and provide up to 10,000 new homes. The Master Plan outlines a vision for residential, commercial, and retail precincts, alongside infrastructure for streets, parks, and open spaces. Backed by more than AUD 1 billion in government funding, the project is projected to attract significant private investment. The plan details a staged rollout of over 2 million square meters (215 million square feet) of gross floor area near the upcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Learn more at NSW Governmentmixed-use
02 April 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Public Review In Process For 483-Meter Building In New York CityThe proposed 1,586-foot (483-meter) office building at 350 Park Avenue in New York City has officially entered the public review process. The 62-story development, led by Vornado Realty Trust, Citadel, and Rudin Management, was certified by the Department of City Planning, initiating the seven-month uniform land use review procedure (ULURP). Designed by Foster + Partners, the project includes 1.8 million square feet (167,225 square meters) of office space and a 12,500-square-foot (1,161-square-meter) public concourse, with Citadel and Citadel Securities as anchor tenants.
The developers are requesting an increase in the floor area ratio (FAR) cap from 15 to 25. To facilitate this, they have purchased US$150 million in air rights from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Bartholomew’s Church and will contribute over US$35 million to the East Midtown Public Improvement Fund. The proposal includes transferring the zoning of 315,000 square feet (29,264 square meters) from St. Patrick’s and approximately the zoning of 170,000 square feet (15,794 square meters) from St. Bartholomew’s. Additionally, they are seeking a public concourse bonus of 3 FAR, equivalent to approximately 203,494 square feet (18,907 square meters) of zoning.
The supertall would replace three existing office buildings on the site: a 30-story, 23-story, and a five-story building. The project also features a public plaza designed by Field Operations, incorporating green space, seating, public art, and improved pedestrian access. Sidewalks on East 51st and 52nd Street would be widened by five feet (1.5 meters).
The building plans to accommodate up to 6,000 employees, with Citadel leasing at least 850,000 square feet (78,968 square meters). Plans also include 1.6 million square feet (148,645 square meters) of office, financial trading, and amenity space, as well as nearly 23,000 square feet (2,137 square meters) of retail space.
The project now enters a 60-day review by the Manhattan Community Board 5, followed by assessments from the borough president, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. If approved, construction is expected to start shortly after with completion by 2032. The plan follows the 2017 Midtown East rezoning, which allowed for higher-density office development in the area.
Learn more at 6sqftmixed-use
24 March 2025
Construction Dive
Mortenson Partners To Build $900M Nba Arena In Oklahoma CityAward: NBA Arena
Value: $900 million
Location: Oklahoma City
Client: Oklahoma City
Flintco and Mortenson will partner to build a new arena for the National Basketball Association’s Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a release from the Oklahoma City Council.
The council voted March 11 to approve the contract with Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Flintco and Minneapolis-based Mortenson. The team will construct “a first-class, state-of-the-art NBA arena and entertainment venue that meets and/or exceeds NBA specifications and requirements,” the release said.
The budget for the venue is at least $900 million and it will be at least 750,000 square feet. The council voted to approve a preconstruction contract with the contractors worth $2.275 million, per public documents.
The new arena will go up on the site of Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, which is a city-owned site. The existing structure will be demolished in the spring. Design on the Thunder’s home court is underway already, and construction will begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030.
For now, the Thunder will continue to play their home games at Paycom Center, where they moved after the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma and changed their name in 2008. Once the Thunder move to the new venue, a 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City will begin, the release said.
The project will be funded by $50 million from the Thunder ownership group and $70 million in public money from the Metropolitan Area Projects program, or MAPS 4, a one-cent, voter-approved sales tax expected to raise more than $1 billion for various public projects between 2020 and 2028, per the Oklahoman. In addition, when the MAPS 4 tax ends, the city will enact a six-year, one-cent sales tax to help pay for the stadium.
Mortenson is a major player in the stadium construction space, having worked on the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena and the Minnesota Vikings US Bank Stadium.
Meanwhile, Flintco has decades of experience in Oklahoma and built Oklahoma City’s Convention Center and Paycom Center.
“Having built the current arena over 20 years ago, we understand the significance of this project for our city and its future, knowing hundreds of construction jobs will be created to boost our economy,” said Dave Kollmann, Flintco central region president, in the release.mixed-use
20 March 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
A 42-Story Landmark High-Rise For Tbilisi’S Evolving Urban LandscapeZaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled design for the 42-story Cityzen Tower near the capital Tbilisi’s new Central Park. The project marks the firm's first endeavor in the country of Georgia.
Located at the intersection of Mikheil Tamarashvili and University streets in Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district, Cityzen Tower is set to become a new focal point of the city’s transformation. The mixed-use high-rise will integrate residential, commercial, and leisure spaces within the growing community, aiming to establish a vibrant civic hub with pedestrian plazas, green spaces, and public amenities.
Built on the site of a former Soviet military headquarters, the high-rise will stand next to the newly developed 36-hectare Central Park, with its botanical gardens and sports facilities. Around 250 of the site's existing mature trees will be retained on the site, connecting with this green area adjacent to it. The building design reflects Tbilisi’s natural topography, incorporating cascading terraces that transition from public plazas and dining areas at the base to external social spaces for offices and balconies for residential units above. These terraces provide south-facing outdoor areas while framing panoramic views of the city and park.
Cityzen Tower’s architectural form is defined by a gradual transition from large communal areas on the lower levels to a compact, diamond-shaped footprint at the top. This twisting composition ensures optimal natural lighting and ventilation while adapting to the distinct needs of each floor type. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the building incorporates sustainable features such as rainwater collection, native vegetation, and energy-efficient shading elements that regulate sunlight exposure.
Locally sourced materials will be used for the construction whenever possible. The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Learn more at Global Construction Review.mixed-use
17 March 2025Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Luxury Residential Serenia District In Dubai Is Launched By DeveloperThe launch of Serenia District, a Dh$5 billion (US$1.36 billion) upscale residential community in the Jumeirah Islands neighborhood of Dubai, has been announced. Spanning 55,742 square meters with a 325,161 square meter built-up area, the project will feature six integrated high-rises.
The design will have the buildings centered around "lifestyle zones," including the Serenia Signature Clubhouse, Health and Social Zone, Sports and Recreation Spaces, Family Oasis, Nature Discovery Zone, and a Wellness Retreat. The first phase introduces West Residence, a 46 story high-rise with 419 units of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, offering views of Jumeirah Islands.
A standout feature is the 9290 square meter Serenia Signature Clubhouse, which will include an infinity pool, gym, rooftop café, male and female spas, an indoor paddle court, a half basketball court, a games room, and retail and dining spaces. The project, designed by Japanese architecture firm Nikken Sekkei, draws inspiration from the Japanese Ireko design language.
Located near business and entertainment hubs, Serenia District will be able to integrate 20 kilometers of walkways to promote an active lifestyle. At the same time, its starlight facade lighting will provide subtle illumination throughout the day and night.
Learn more at World Construction Networkmixed-use
12 March 2025Building Systems UK
City Planners Approve Enabling Works For Newcastle’S Historic Founders PlaceNewcastle City Council planners have approved crucial enabling works that will unlock a multi-million pound mixed-use development in the heart of Newcastle.
With One Public Estate brownfield funding already secured for the site, the unanimous decision today (March 7) now allows for the first phase of clearance and remediation within the growing Founders Place scheme. Developed by igloo, the neglected and derelict site will evolve into the Orchard Yard housing scheme.
The funding is to help build thousands of new homes as part of the Government’s plans to get the country building again, create jobs and grow the economy. This multi-million-pound boost is awarded to councils to unlock disused brownfield sites. Newcastle City Council were successful in securing £2,4m in the last funding round with £1.65m allocated to bring forward housing on Founders Place.
The South Street site, once home to workshops of the Stephenson Engineering Manufactory, has seen various industrial uses over the decades but fell into disrepair after the last tenant, Doves Building Merchant, left in 2004. The Machine Shop and Smith’s Shop derelict shells are now deemed dangerous and inaccessible.
The enabling work will now allow for the clearing out asbestos, removal of unsafe structures – largely added in the 20th Century with little or no historical value – and put in new retaining structures. This will also unlock millions of pounds of inward investment with the site eventually seeing circa 70 homes being developed.
The phased plans will reinvent the Machine Shop whilst retaining and restoring the fabric of the earliest industrial structures. This will all help bring South Street back to life by providing family homes and apartments, along with business space, a public park and courtyard.
Accessed from Sussex Street, the Smith’s Shop will complement its neighbour by providing further housing and public spaces. Combined, the two developments will once again be open to the public, enhancing the wider area.
Insiyah Khushnood from igloo, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the enabling work which is the first essential step to breathing new life into this derelict site of the former Stephenson Works. Without these works the site would remain abandoned but now we have the opportunity to take the first steps in this important regeneration scheme that will create a thriving residential community within an unused and forgotten part of the city.”
Cabinet member for Economy, Jobs and Skills, Cllr Dan Greenhough, said: “I am delighted that planning committee have approved this.
“These are incredibly important buildings from a historic perspective, but they are also in a dangerous condition due to structural decay and asbestos. This work will enable the buildings to be made safe so work can begin restoring them to their original glory and turning them into much needed housing bringing more activity back to the site.
“This will be another step forward for Founders Place development site which is also attracting good quality jobs to the city.”
Work is expected to start on the site this summer.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionalsmixed-use
11 March 2025Arch Daily- Mixed Use
Sasaki Reimagines Oman’S Second-Largest City With A New Waterfront MasterplanSalalah is Oman's largest logistics port and its second-largest city. Located within a two-hour flight from Dubai and a 90-minute flight from Muscat, the city attracted over one million tourists in 2024. As part of the Oman Vision 2040 investment plan, Oman's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has commissioned Sasaki to develop a master plan for redesigning the city's waterfront. The plan includes renovating the city's coastal public spaces and constructing new housing and infrastructure to accommodate projected growth. The project is part of a broader initiative to double tourism's contribution to the nation's GDP by 2030, with on-site construction set to begin later this year, in 2025.
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The New City Salalah waterfront development designed by Sasaki comprises 12,000 residential units for 60,000 residents across four neighborhoods, 3.5 million square meters of parks, 200,000 square meters of retail and hospitality space, two new hospitals, and integrated multimodal transport links. Covering 7.3 square kilometers, the plan envisions a walkable urban environment, emphasizing 10-minute neighborhoods. It prioritizes mixed-use development and soft mobility, incorporating open spaces, cultural venues, and amenities. The design also features a pedestrianized marina and a new 6-kilometer-long public beach, aimed at attracting travelers.
The masterplan seeks to enhance Salalah's appeal as a year-round sea-and-sun destination at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Romil Sheth from Sasaki highlighted the region's valued natural features, including lush wadis, local agriculture integrated into the city, and an extensive coastline, as key elements complementing the plan's urban design, placemaking, and planning strategies. From a climate resilience perspective, the New City Salalah masterplan includes measures to address rising sea levels and flooding, particularly given the region's khareef monsoon season. These measures include the introduction of a wetland park, revetments, and natural infrastructure strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
The waterfront development is an integral part of the Greater Salalah Structural Plan, a framework designed to enhance livability by addressing spatial, infrastructure, and mobility challenges while expanding capacity to accommodate the growing Wilayat Salalah, which is projected to reach a population of 674,000 by 2040. The phased development is scheduled to begin later this year, with 5,827 residential units set for delivery in Phase 1.
This initiative joins other urban planning projects announced earlier this year. In Europe, Zaha Hadid Architects was recently awarded a large-scale urban regeneration project in Naples, while Foster + Partners unveiled plans for the reclamation of a former industrial site in Constanța. In North America, RIOS and Field Operations are advancing a project to transform parking lots into a new neighborhood in Chicago, while in Asia, Uzbekistan is preparing to expand its capital city with a master plan designed by Cross Works. Plans range from industrial land reclamation to densification of under-occupied areas, bringing cities up to speed with the climate resilience and social needs of their societies.mixed-use
10 March 2025Arch Daily- Mixed Use
Rios And Field Operations To Transform Chicago’S West Side And United Center Area Into A Mixed-Use NeighborhoodThe United Center arena in Chicago, designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), Marmon Mok, and W.E. Simpson Company, was built between 1992 and 1994. With a capacity of over 20,000 seats for sports and general events, it includes more than 6,000 parking spaces in lots surrounding the arena. These parking lots span approximately 55 acres (over 22 hectares) in Chicago's West Side (1901 W. Madison Street). A new master plan, named the 1901 Project, aims to transform this space into a mixed-use neighborhood. Led by design collective RIOS, with contributions from landscape architecture studio Field Operations, this long-term, multi-phase project aims to connect neighborhoods by creating new public spaces and infrastructure on a metropolitan scale. The proposal recently received approval from the Chicago Plan Commission.
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According to the United Center Joint Venture, the design draws inspiration from Chicago's motto, Urbs in Horto (City in a Garden). The 1901 Project includes housing, retail, entertainment, and public open spaces across more than 55 acres of privately owned land surrounding the arena, transforming a previously enclosed area into an interconnected, open neighborhood. The project's client describes this $7 billion private investment as a "catalytic development" intended to activate the district year-round as a destination to live, work, and play. It represents a major shift for an underutilized area of Chicago, which currently serves primarily as a parking zone for event-driven automobile traffic.
In contrast to its current function, RIOS emphasizes that the new development would incorporate historical urban features and restore pedestrian activity. The firm highlights walkability as a key principle, incorporating open pedestrian spaces, including a park and walking paths, as part of an integrated urban design strategy. According to Sebastian Salvadó, Creative Director and Partner at RIOS, the project features "a network of plazas and paseos that echo the city's pre-automobile urban fabric", linked by a continuous elevated park draped over the district's rooftops. More than 10 acres of the masterplan are reserved for integrated public spaces accessible for everyone, including the signature elevated park designed by Field Operations.
Following approval from the Chicago Plan Commission, the project's next steps include review by the zoning committee and final consideration by the Chicago City Council. If approved, construction of the first phase is expected to begin in spring 2025. This initial phase includes a 6,000-seat theater-style music hall designed by RIOS, an elevated park spanning more than 10 acres (around 4 hectares), redesigned parking facilities, bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and a mix of hospitality and retail buildings. Future phases of the project plan to introduce housing, an expanded multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and targeted projects focused on the enhancement of public spaces established in the first phase. The United Center estimates the project's full completion within 10 years.
The project represents an update to one of Chicago's largest infrastructural spaces, adapting it to contemporary environmental and urban needs. Large surface parking areas, which in the U.S. have been estimated to occupy approximately 5% of the land, have been identified as contributors to urban heat islands. The redevelopment of these spaces has been increasingly explored in urban regeneration efforts, often in comparison to land designated for housing construction. New approaches to parking infrastructure can be seen globally, such as the laminated wood garage by Herrmann + Bosch Architekten or the use of rammed earth in the Neuenburg am Rhein parking garage by MONO Architekten. Designs such as these aim to enhance human interaction in spaces originally designed for cars while mitigating their socio-environmental impact.mixed-use
05 March 2025Arch Daily- Mixed Use
Renzo Piano Building Workshop Wins Competition To Design The New Midtstadt Mixed-Use Complex In FrankfurtRenzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), in collaboration with Holger Meyer Architekten, has won the competition for the new Midstad project in Frankfurt. Led by Joost Moolhuijzen and Erik Volz, the design reimagines the future of European city centers as resourceful and multifunctional. The project involves a 35,000 m² rehabilitation of an existing department store on the Zeil in Frankfurt's city center, integrating a six-story mass timber extension and a mixed-use, community-driven program. The project involves reconstruction during ongoing operation, partial demolition, and the expansion of the existing department store.
The Midstad Frankfurt project aims to transform the inner-city location of 'Östliche Zeil' by addressing urban, economic, and cultural needs. The new space will combine shopping, leisure, work, dining, entertainment, sports, culture, commercial apartments, and education under one roof. The goal is to convert the existing six-story, monofunctional 1980s department store, Weltstadthaus Peek & Cloppenburg, into a ten-story, multi-use complex. The design preserves three retail floors while adding two 'playground' levels, a two-form entry elementary school on the fifth floor, 56 long-stay apartments, and office and conference spaces on the upper floors.
A key aspect of the transformation is improving the building's permeability and accessibility. New entrances will be added from Reiffensteinplatz and Reineckstrasse, with a light-filled passageway connecting two courtyards. Visitors will be able to navigate the building using either escalators or glass elevators. The building's volume will be fragmented to create a more open, light-filled structure, replacing the closed-off design of the existing department store. The main north façade on Zeil will feature a transparent wood-and-glass screen, offering views into the building's interior, including cultural spaces, co-working areas, and children's facilities, with a prominent two-story multifunctional hall at its center.
Midstad Frankfurt is a renovation project that seeks to transform an existing city-center building into a flexible, mixed-use complex, contributing to the revitalization of the downtown area. According to Midstad's real estate managers, the project demonstrates how urban spaces can be revitalized through adaptable utilization concepts. The developers emphasize that multifunctional buildings capable of evolving with the changing needs of urban visitors and residents can help revitalize city centers. RPBW's design plans embody this vision, showcasing how European cities can be renewed through needs-based planning.
Mixed-use architecture is a key strategic instrument for urban renewal in large cities. Several renowned architecture firms are engaged in similar projects worldwide, including Valerio Olgiati, with his three red concrete towers in Tirana; Gensler, with an office conversion project in New York City; and Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), with the remodeling of the HSBC Tower in London. These projects align with broader initiatives to reclaim downtown areas, repurpose disused land, and renovate large-scale underutilized buildings, such as the General Motors and Bedrock redevelopment of Detroit's Renaissance Center and the regeneration of the Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks in London.mixed-use
03 March 2025Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Permits In Progress For 22-Story Mixed Housing In San FranciscoThe site of 2700 Sloat Boulevard has had new preliminary permits filed, showing a 22-story, 233 foot (71 meter) building in San Francisco’s Sunset District. This project, led by Housing America Partner and San Francisco Housing Development Corporation, follows the withdrawal of a 50-story building proposal that had been applied for on the same site.
The development team is utilizing Assembly Bill 2011, which allows ministerial by right approval for affordable and mixed income housing on commercially zoned land, expediting the approval process.
Designed to have residential and retail, the 459,000 square foot (42,640 square meter) building will include 413,750 square feet (38,453 square meters) of residential space, 10,500 square feet (975 square meters) for retail, and 15,300 square feet (1,421 square meters) for a 52 car garage. The project will also provide 217 bicycle parking spaces. Plans indicate 446 apartments, with 207 affordable rental units and 239 market rate homes for sale. Layouts will feature studios, one, two, and three bedroom layouts.
Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) is the project architect, with designs showing tiered setbacks ranging from 8 to 22 stories along Wawona Street and Sloat Boulevard. The 0.87 acre (0.35 hectare) site is positioned near Ocean Beach, the San Francisco Zoo, and local businesses, including Java Beach at the Zoo and the United Irish Cultural Center.
With an estimated construction cost of US$223 million, groundbreaking targeted for November 2025, just 11 months after the initial application, and a notably fast timeline if achieved.
Learn more at SF YIMBYmixed-use
28 February 2025Profile Miami
Demolition Begins For Transformative Mixed-Use Development 'The Avenue' On Naples' Prestigious Fifth AvenueAprea, led by Andy Penev, announced today that demolition has begun at the future site of The Avenue, a sprawling mixed-use project planned at the gateway to downtown Naples on prestigious 5th Avenue between 5th and 6th Avenues and 9th and 11th Streets.
East of Four Corners, where U.S. 41 turns east toward Miami between the historic Tin City and the renowned Fifth Avenue shopping district, the 4.3-acre site consists of a number of vacant lots and empty, non-conforming buildings, damaged by Hurricane Ian, including the former home of the iconic St. George & The Dragon restaurant shuttered in 2012.
The demolition signals the beginning of an exciting transformation of the gateway to Naples by blending luxury residences with vibrant retail and hospitality spaces. This mixed-use development will consist of four boutique buildings, featuring 50 bespoke residences alongside 75,000 square feet of premier retail space, all designed to offer a pedestrian-friendly environment reminiscent of charming European streets.
The demolition process will involve a phased approach, beginning with installing a site perimeter fence then structural assessments and deconstruction to ensure materials are sorted for recycling and proper disposal. Envirostruct will utilize modern, low-impact machinery to reduce noise and dust emissions while demolishing the existing structures, aligning with the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The timeline for demolition spans the next 90 days, with efforts to minimize any disruption to nearby businesses and residents through scheduled work hours and proactive communication with the community.
Envirostruct has been tasked with removing all existing structures and is working closely with the City to ensure the process adheres to all regulations and minimizes any disruption to the community. The general contractor for vertical construction will be announced in the coming months.
Aprea is committed to fostering strong relationships within the community throughout the construction process. “The start of demolition is the first of many milestones to come. We have every confidence Envirostruct will ensure this process will be smooth, efficient and environmentally responsible, setting the stage for the creation of a world-class destination in the heart of Naples,” Penev added.
Residences at The Avenue, which began sales in January, are thoughtfully designed with two to four bedrooms and are priced from under $3 million to $8 million. Each building will feature distinctive amenities, including pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, spas, and club rooms tailored for co-working and socializing. Residents will also enjoy five-star, hotel-level services, including concierge assistance with in-home package delivery, grocery and dry-cleaning services, beach service transportation and setup, housekeeping and home-watch coordination, and exclusive beach house vehicles for convenient coastal living.
The Dawn McKenna Group, recently appointed as the exclusive sales and marketing team for The Avenue, brings their unparalleled expertise and global reach to introduce this unique development to discerning buyers.
“The momentum for The Avenue is palatable. We’ve enjoyed an incredible response from interested buyers who recognize that The Avenue is poised to set a new standard for luxury living in Naples,” said Christine Lutz, Director of New Developments for the Dawn McKenna Group. “We are thrilled to witness the project’s first major construction milestone.”
In addition to offering bespoke residences, The Avenue will feature lushly landscaped open-air walkways, elite dining establishments, and high-end shops that reflect the vibrant charm of downtown Naples.
Images via @thepanoptikon
For more information about The Avenue or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:
Thank you!mixed-use
25 February 2025Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Mass Dampers Installed For 195 Meter Flagpole In Capital City BakuThe 195-meter flagpole in the Azerbijani capital of Baku, Azerbaijan has been installed and designed to withstand extreme wind and seismic activity. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea that exposes it to high winds, it also needed to support a massive 35 x 70 meter flag hoisted onto the flagpole. To counteract dangerous vibrations, Munich-based MAURER supplied and installed three precisely tuned mass dampers (TMDs) in the upper sections of the mast.
Composed of ten conical metal segments, the flag pole faces immense wind forces that cause vibrations, leading to resonance and potential structural damage or even collapse. Given these challenges, three TMDs were designed and produced for installation inside of segment nine at approximately 180 meters. The dampers were pre-assembled in Munich, tested by TUV SUD, and delivered to Baku. Because they needed to be installed on the ground before the segment was mounted up onto the mast, they were carefully fitted one above the other before being raised.
The damper masses resemble a three-quarter cylinder. They are each suspended from three pendulum rods secured to the inner wall of the mast. This special shape is necessary so that the maintenance ladder can run up the center of the mast to the top. The damper masses are each secured horizontally to the wall by four hydraulic dampers. These dampen the movements of the pendulums and stop the masses from colliding with the wall.
Each damper is designed to activate at different wind intensities. The largest mass damper is 7.1 tons, measuring 144 x 6,414 mm in length and with frequencies ranging between 0.65 and 1.32 Hz. Suspended by pendulums inside the mast, they counteract the flagpole’s movements, reducing vibrations by a factor of two to ten and ensuring structural longevity for over 30 years.
Familiar with regional conditions, MAURER was also the supplier of custom dampers for the 276.3 meter Baku Tower and 195.9 meter SOCAR Tower.mixed-use
21 February 2025Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Mass Dampers Installed For 195 Meter Flagpole In Capital City BakuThe 195-meter flagpole in the Azerbijani capital of Baku, Azerbaijan has been installed and designed to withstand extreme wind and seismic activity. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea that exposes it to high winds, it also needed to support a massive 35 x 70 meter flag hoisted onto the flagpole. To counteract dangerous vibrations, Munich-based MAURER supplied and installed three precisely tuned mass dampers (TMDs) in the upper sections of the mast.
Composed of ten conical metal segments, the flag pole faces immense wind forces that cause vibrations, leading to resonance and potential structural damage or even collapse. Given these challenges, three TMDs were designed and produced for installation inside of segment nine at approximately 180 meters. The dampers were pre-assembled in Munich, tested by TUV SUD, and delivered to Baku. Because they needed to be installed on the ground before the segment was mounted up onto the mast, they were carefully fitted one above the other before being raised.
The damper masses resemble a three-quarter cylinder. They are each suspended from three pendulum rods secured to the inner wall of the mast. This special shape is necessary so that the maintenance ladder can run up the center of the mast to the top. The damper masses are each secured horizontally to the wall by four hydraulic dampers. These dampen the movements of the pendulums and stop the masses from colliding with the wall.
Each damper is designed to activate at different wind intensities. The largest mass damper is 7.1 tons, measuring 144 x 6,414 mm in length and with frequencies ranging between 0.65 and 1.32 Hz. Suspended by pendulums inside the mast, they counteract the flagpole’s movements, reducing vibrations by a factor of two to ten and ensuring structural longevity for over 30 years.
Familiar with regional conditions, MAURER was also the supplier of custom dampers for the 276.3 meter Baku Tower and 195.9 meter SOCAR Tower.mixed-use
21 February 2025Construction Dive
Deepseek Called A Net Positive For Data Centers Despite Overcapacity WorriesThe global race to develop sophisticated, versatile AI models is driving a surge in development of the physical infrastructure to support them. Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Google parent Alphabet — four of the AI industry’s biggest players — plan to invest a combined $325 billion in capital expenditures in 2025, much of it for data centers and associated hardware.
The technology giants’ spending plans mark a 46% increase from their combined 2024 capital investments, according to Yahoo! Finance, and track a doubling in proposed data centers’ average size from 150 gigawatts to 300 gigawatts between January 2023 and October 2024. In December, Meta said it would build a $10 billion, 4 million-square-foot data center in Louisiana that could consume the power output equivalent of two large nuclear reactors.
The planned spending announcements came after the January release of the highly efficient, open-source AI platform DeepSeek, which led some experts and investors to question just how much infrastructure — from high-performance chips to new power plants and electrical equipment — the AI boom actually requires. But experts interviewed by Facilities Dive see AI efficiency gains as a net positive for data center developers, operators and customers in the long run, despite shorter-term uncertainty that could temporarily create overcapacity in some markets.
DeepSeek’s late January commercial launch took many Americans by surprise, but the rise of a more efficient and capable AI model follows a well-worn pattern of technology development, said K.R. Sridhar, founder, chairman and CEO of power solutions provider Bloom Energy.
“In 2010, it took about 1,500 watt-hours to facilitate the flow of one gigabyte of information,” Sridhar said. “Last year it took about one tenth of that … [but] the total growth of traffic, and therefore the chips and energy, has been twice that amount.”
As generative AI model development has grown more capital intensive, the benefits of efficiency have increased as well, Morningstar DBRS Senior Vice President Victor Leung wrote in a Jan. 28 research note.
“DeepSeek's approach to constructing and training its model could be viewed as manifesting this drive towards more efficient models and to be expected as they and other companies seek to reduce AI deployment costs,” Leung said. Continued efficiency improvements could moderate demand for data center capacity over the longer term, Leung added.
As evidenced by the tech giants’ recent announcements, the biggest AI players are unlikely to pull back on planned investments on DeepSeek’s account, Ashish Nadkarni, group vice president and general manager for worldwide infrastructure research at IDC, told Facilities Dive.
For companies like Meta and Microsoft, the drive to build as much AI capacity as quickly as possible is “existential,” with Apple the only major tech company to buck the trend so far, Nadkarni said. Those companies, and others like Elon Musk’s xAI, are using huge amounts of proprietary data to train differentiated foundational models useful in building emerging “agentic AI” tools and other future innovations, he added.
Despite the scale of their planned and in-progress AI investments, the big tech companies “remain at the starting line,” with commercial payoff uncertain and likely still years away, Nadkarni said.
Imminent advances that allow more cost-effective AI deployments could “stabilize the AI industry in the long run” by reducing the risk of a capital spending pullback that could lead to “a burst investment bubble in AI-related sectors,” Leung wrote.
A reduction in the computing power needed to train new models could eventually tip the balance of new data center deployments toward smaller “inference” data centers, which serve user requests rather than model development and refinement, experts say. That would mean proportionally fewer developments on the scale of Meta’s two-gigawatt Louisiana facility or Compass Datacenters’ planned campus in suburban Chicago that could eventually host five massive data centers.
“An acceleration of [large language models] in large training data centers will lead to a natural acceleration of inference data centers … located in proximity to people, processes and machines,” Sridhar said. Inference data centers typically consume tens of megawatts of power, compared with hundreds of megawatts for centralized training facilities.
For now, data center proposals continue to get bigger, with the average proposed data center doubling in size from about 150 megawatts to 300 megawatts between early 2023 and mid-2024, according to an October 2024 report from Wood Mackenzie.
Even if AI efficiency gains continue, new data centers likely won’t change their plans to use liquid cooling systems, which are more effective at cooling high-powered server racks than traditional air cooling systems, said Angela Taylor, chief of staff at liquid cooling provider LiquidStack. Compass Datacenters says its Chicago-area campus will use non-water liquid cooling, while Microsoft recently unveiled a new closed-loop water cooling system that it said could avoid the need for 125 million liters of water annually at new facilities.
Taylor also expects liquid cooling to play a pivotal role in new inference data centers in “edge” environments closer to users.
“[The] edge has harsh operating and serviceability requirements, such as air pollution, hot and humid climate [and] smaller footprints … liquid cooling shines in these types of environments,” she said.
However, some operators of existing air-cooled data centers may rethink capital-intensive plans to retrofit them with liquid cooling systems, which “are still several years away” from widespread deployment, Nadkarni said.
“[Liquid cooling] is a much heavier lift for retrofits,” he said.
Amid long construction time frames and grid interconnection bottlenecks, data center developers like Meta and xAI are racing “to secure as much natural gas as possible,” said Gabriel Kra, managing director at venture capital firm Prelude Ventures.
Entergy Louisiana plans to build three combined-cycle gas plants to power the new Meta campus, while xAI deployed more than a dozen off-grid gas turbines last year while waiting on a grid connection for its Memphis campus.
Over the longer term, the growth of inference data centers “will create a huge need for local availability of electricity in already congested metro areas,” further increasing the value of onsite power, Sridhar said.
But many data centers will still connect to the grid, and more efficient AI models call into question the longer-term economics of premium-priced power deals announced recently, Kra said.
“If the load growth from AI is suddenly curtailed by a factor of five or 10, that has big implications,” Kra said. “We’ve heard recent pitches from companies that are relying on expensive contracts with hyperscalers ….[This] calls those business models more seriously into question.”
On the bright side, lower-than-expected data center energy demand could pay environmental dividends by reducing the need for older coal power plants, Kra added.
If AI models continue to see efficiency gains, then larger enterprises — such as global automakers — may look more closely at bringing more technology development and computing power in-house, rather than relying on third-party resources, Nadkarni said.
That would necessitate capital investment on those companies’ part but could reduce demand for centralized AI computing, he said.
Colocation data centers, where customers rent space to house IT equipment rather than keeping it in their own facilities, are meanwhile “growing extremely fast,” Taylor said.
Colocation facilities tend to be located on highly-connected, adequately powered sites near population centers, making them attractive to users who need computing power in short order, said Scott McCrady, chief client executive at Cologix, a colocation firm. Those located in major network hubs also offer very low-latency computing, which is critical for inference applications from which users expect rapid outputs, he said.
But the tailwinds benefiting on-premise and colocation compute might not be enough to sustain the present data center boom, experts say.
To start, hyperscalers may push for shorter lease terms on large-scale facilities as they weigh uncertainty around future computing power requirements, Leung said.
And the wider industry could be in for a temporary period of overcapacity, similar to what happened in the aftermath of the dot-com boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nadkarni said. It took years for the market to absorb the glut of fiber networks and data centers built back then, he added.
“I have a nagging worry we’re going to see the same thing this time,” Nadkarni said. “I don’t think we can keep building compute at the same rate.”mixed-use
21 February 2025