As the Netherlands shifts from industry to knowledge-based economy, they certainly know their placemaking, transforming blocks of a neglected industrial district into a $150 million mixed-use development, Arnhem City Center, known locally as ‘Musiskwartier’.

Opening last month, the predominantly a retail/entertainment center hosts a residential community above its shops of condos with terraces, gardens and balconies.  The largely pedestrian-only development features a timeless architectural fabric, multiple paseos, and a new market square.  While the public spaces are free, unfortunately all the homes are upscale and much of the retail consists of chains.

The project’s financing is also a model for future investments of this kind.  The forward-thinking Netherlands-based developer, Multi Development sold the project to a series of pension funds - an increasingly reliable source of long-term capital for future urban investments, mainly because their return on investment requirements have markedly lower demands over much longer periods of time.

Key stats:
- 1.68 acres
- 344,445 s.f. of retail
- 76 condos
- Underground parking for 1000 bicycles, 750 cars (maybe someday a U.S. project will have the same ratio)