The concept of residential living combined with nearby office and retail isn’t new—mixed-use has been around for a while. Interestingly enough, medical office add-ons to these communities aren’t new, either, but they’re growing.
To explore this topic in further detail, ConnectCRE recently posed questions to Peter G. Papantoniou, Principal, Gittleson Zuppas Medical Realty, which handles leasing for the Medical Pavilion I & II at National Harbor in Baltimore, MD.
ConnectCRE: Is placing medical services into a mixed-use format new?
Peter Papantoniou: No, but the model has been evolving for over a decade and gained significant momentum in recent years. The post-COVID shift toward working from home and decentralized lifestyles accelerated the trend, with healthcare providers increasingly favoring multiple satellite clinics embedded in the community over a single, centralized facility. For real estate, this reflects growing demand for convenient, accessible medical space integrated into retail, residential and office developments, positioning healthcare as a critical anchor in mixed-use environments.
ConnectCRE: Which healthcare-oriented facilities operate more effectively in mixed-use environments?
Peter Papantoniou: A range of medical facility types are proving successful in mixed-use settings. Many specialty groups are pursuing single-story, standalone facilities or retail storefront spaces that offer visibility and convenience. Ambulatory surgery centers, in particular, are increasingly locating in standalone buildings with designated drop-off areas, often positioned near a hospital campus or within a broader multi-building medical complex. This diversification reflects a shift toward patient-centric accessibility while creating strong demand for flexible, well-located healthcare real estate within mixed-use environments.
ConnectCRE: What makes a good healthcare tenant combination for mixed-use properties?
Peter Papantoniou: Both private practices and hospital-affiliated groups are increasingly participating in the mixed-use trend, which enhances patient convenience while strengthening the long-term value of the property. An effective medical tenant mix in such an environment typically starts with an anchor primary care group, supported by complementary services such as imaging, lab, and pharmacy. From there, a variety of specialty practices — including allergy, dermatology, physical therapy, cardiology, orthopedics, and OB/GYN — create a well-rounded ecosystem.
ConnectCRE: What factors should developers consider when adding medical services to a retail, residential and office project?
Peter Papantoniou: Developers should consider several key factors in addition to proximity to major healthcare systems. These include strategic adjacency to regional hospitals, strong connectivity to major highway systems, and close access to densely populated neighborhoods that provide a built-in patient base. Just as important, an abundance of convenient, accessible parking is critical to ensure ease of use for patients and providers alike.
ConnectCRE: What is your outlook for the live, work, play, healthcare environment?
Peter Papantoniou: Very positive. Demand is increasing as patients prioritize convenience and accessibility, seeking care close to home and within environments that fit seamlessly into their busy, on-the-go lifestyles. As a result, developers can expect continued growth in healthcare-focused mixed-use projects in the years ahead.
The “Live, Work, Play, Healthcare” model is a lasting trend, as healthcare providers increasingly adapt to meet patient demand for convenience and flexibility. For developers and property owners, integrating medical facilities into mixed-use is becoming an essential strategy to enhance property value, drive foot traffic, and create a more complete, community-oriented environment.
#Live #Work #Play #Healthcare