Modernizing retail with metal

By Jenny Yu.  

An MBMA case study highlights a new model for flexible, experience-driven retail. 

As retail developers grapple with declining foot traffic and rising vacancies fueled by e-commerce, a new development model is gaining traction. According to the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA)’s 2022 Commercial Communities Case Study, forward-thinking developers are moving beyond traditional strip malls and department stores in favor of experiential, mixed-use destinations that bring people together. 

These commercial communities blend retail, dining, entertainment and on-site production in campus-style settings that e-commerce cannot replicate. Visitors can shop, dine, attend events and engage with local makers, all within walkable outdoor environments designed to foster social connection. To make these projects viable, developers are increasingly relying on metal building systems for their flexibility, speed and design versatility. 

The MBMA case study highlights several projects that demonstrate how metal buildings support this emerging retail model. In Sebastopol, California, The Barlow transformed a former apple processing facility into an 18-building outdoor marketplace. Designer Thad Geldert said metal buildings offered a “timeless and utilitarian” aesthetic that fits wine country while providing tall ceilings and adaptable interior spaces. Developer Barney Aldridge called metal buildings “better for the planet” and noted their efficiency and faster construction timelines. 

Paso Robles’ Tin City shows how metal systems support phased growth. Owner Mike English credits metal buildings with allowing the development to expand quickly as demand increased. “If you get your ducks in a row, it’s the fastest method of construction there is,” he said. 

Upscale projects are also embracing metal. In Reno, Nevada, The Village used metal buildings to achieve a Napa Valley farmhouse aesthetic through customized skins and finishes. In San Antonio, Full Goods at the Pearl Brewery preserved industrial character while earning LEED Gold certification through the use of steel systems. 

Together, these examples illustrate how metal building systems enable developers to create flexible, sustainable and visually compelling commercial communities that meet today’s retail challenges. 

To explore the full project details, design insights and developer perspectives, download the MBMA Commercial Communities Case Study 2022.