
Understanding Infill Development: Revitalizing Urban Spaces
Infill development, it’s a process that involves constructing buildings or other types of facilities on land that is unused or underutilized. The land must be situated in an urban location or an otherwise developed area.
The purpose of this form of development is to promote density and support sustainable urban growth. When implemented correctly, it uses existing transportation and utility infrastructure, which limits the amount of resources that need to be allocated to the project.
Many urban locations don’t have much open land that can be developed, which is why the infill strategy may be necessary. Urban planning professionals are tasked with using this type of development for sustainable growth. Infill can involve development of former parking lots, railyards, and military bases. The following guide offers an in-depth look at urban infill development and when to use it.

Benefits of Infill Development
The infill development strategy offers many advantages when utilized in urban locations. For example, it accommodates efficient land use by allowing developers to build on underused or vacant urban land. When implemented properly, this strategy can reduce urban sprawl.
Developers can also use the infill technique to leverage existing infrastructure for new developments. If developers don’t have access to undeveloped land in a large city, they can implement the infill strategy.
Urban infill development also supports environmental sustainability. It promotes walkable neighborhoods and reduces car dependency. By limiting the distance that people need to travel to get to work, it improves air quality and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. When developers are able to use vacant properties, they won’t need to convert sensitive habitats, open space, or agricultural land for new development.
Infill also helps breathe new life into vacant lots and empty buildings, which can revitalize communities and enhance local amenities. This strategy can also encourage more affordable and diverse housing options.
Challenges of Infill Development
While there are many reasons to implement urban infill development, there are also some challenges that developers must address to ensure their projects are completed successfully.
Higher Costs
The potential costs associated with land acquisition and site preparation can be high. Purchasing a parcel of land that suits your development project can be difficult in urban locations that don’t have a considerable amount of free space. The lack of available space means that competition can also be strong among other developers.
Community Resistance
You might also face opposition from residents who are concerned about changes to their neighborhood. Collaborate with the local community to address their concerns, build consensus for your project, and receive the support you need to continue development.
Keep in mind that development projects in urban locations can put strain on existing services and infrastructure, which might negatively impact the quality of life for residents.
Regulatory Hurdles
Before and during development, you could also face regulatory hurdles because of the need to navigate complex zoning laws and building codes. For example, your project can’t negatively impact the surrounding environment and ecosystem, which means that you’ll likely need to perform an environmental assessment and obtain several different types of permits.
Depending on the data from the environmental assessment, you might also be tasked with implementing measures that limit risks to the ecosystem. The nature of your project will determine if you need to navigate any zoning regulations or land use restrictions. You can avoid these issues with proactive planning.

Infill Development vs. Gentrification
There is a significant difference between urban infill development and gentrification. The infill development meaning involves constructing new commercial or residential buildings on underutilized or vacant parcels of land. These parcels could be dilapidated buildings or abandoned lots.
By focusing on infill sites, developers, environmental groups, and other stakeholders can make knowledgeable decisions on development and properly use existing infrastructure to enhance the surrounding community. The infrastructure that can benefit an infill project includes utilities, public transportation, and roads.
This strategy allows developers to preserve green space, accommodate sustainable growth patterns, and reduce urban sprawl. Keep in mind that urban infill development can involve special-use residences, apartment complexes, and single-family homes. A successful project might increase surrounding property values and make the area more desirable.
In comparison, gentrification doesn’t provide as many benefits to the surrounding community. Gentrification usually involves wealthy people moving into an impoverished or working-class neighborhood. These neighborhoods are often home to people of color. When affluent individuals arrive, rental prices and property values typically increase by a considerable amount, which makes the area unaffordable for existing low-income residents.
The neighborhood’s character and cultural identity could be lost if long-term residents are priced out of their homes. Even though gentrification can lead to more investments, enhanced amenities, and new construction, these advantages may only be available to the wealthy arrivals.
While gentrification and infill projects usually take place in urban neighborhoods, the implications and impacts differ. Infill focuses on revitalizing underutilized areas to improve the character of the neighborhood and the quality of life for the people who live there. In comparison, gentrification leads to the displacement of current residents, which can damage community identity.
Strategies for Successful Infill Development
For a successful infill project, there are several best practices you should adopt. For example, it’s highly recommended that you perform comprehensive planning before the project begins. Conduct feasibility studies, market analyses, and site assessments to make sure that the project aligns with market demand, regulatory requirements, and community needs.
Urban infill development projects regularly impact surrounding communities. You’ll need to engage with residents, community organizations, and businesses in the area to identify and address concerns that these stakeholders have. Keep in mind that high community engagement often makes it easier for developers to build support for their projects.
When designing the project, utilize principles of architectural quality and urban design to improve the long-term value, functionality, and visual appeal of the building. With the right approach, you should be able to create a vibrant space that promotes social interaction and improves the urban fabric.
Sustainable development is also required. Integrate the principles of sustainability into the construction and design of the project to lessen environmental impacts, improve residential quality of life, and mitigate the consequences of climate change. Sustainability features include everything from green infrastructure to energy-efficient buildings.
As mentioned previously, you’ll need to understand and comply with all local land use regulations and zoning ordinances. These requirements might indicate that only certain types of development are allowed in urban areas. Regulations can involve everything from height restrictions and setbacks to density limitations.
If your project is set to involve a historic building or site, you must comply with unique preservation requirements. For example, you may be tasked with gaining approval for additions or alterations to existing structures. The development also needs to pair well with the area’s historic character.
Make sure you maintain access to existing utilities and infrastructure as well. The types of infrastructure that might be available to the project include electricity, water supply, roads, telecommunications, and sewage systems.
The jurisdiction you build in might have incentives or requirements for affordable housing. A specific percentage of your project may need to include affordable housing units. When designing your project, make sure you include the right number of parking spaces. Local regulations often have parking space guidelines.

Examples of Successful Infill Initiatives
There are many examples of successful infill development initiatives that occur without gentrification. Recently, BRIDGE and the Mission Housing Development Corporation created a mixed-use project in San Francisco’s Mission District to provide the area with access to more affordable housing. The project, La Fenix, offers more than 150 homes, 40 of which are reserved for previously homeless individuals and families.
This project uses a combination of small business support, community land trusts, and affordable housing development to enhance the economy and cultural vibrancy of the neighborhood, which is primarily Latino.
In Portland, Oregon, the Belmont Dairy project renovated a 1929 dairy building that had been abandoned into a mixed-use space with ample transportation. The building consists of 141,000 square feet of space. Residents have access to 85 apartments, a grocery store, and street-level retail. The project relied on sustainability with water conservation and recycled materials. More than 90% of the construction waste was recycled.
Consider the Rockford Construction project in Columbus. This infill project focused on single-family residential homes. More than 60 units were constructed near downtown Columbus. The project, Harrison Park West, also offers multifamily apartments and townhouses to prospective residents. It began by turning an abandoned margarine and soybean processing plant into a residential neighborhood. Today, Harrison Park West is a vibrant community space.
Conclusion
Infill development supports urban revitalization by converting underused and abandoned properties into livable spaces and communities that allow the surrounding areas to thrive. If you’re considering taking part in an urban landfill development project, it’s highly recommended that you thoughtfully implement your plans to minimize potential challenges and maximize benefits.

Jason Somers, President & Founder of Crest Real Estate
With over 15 years of professional experience in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market, Jason Somers has the background, judgement and track record to provide an unparalleled level of real estate services. His widespread knowledge helps clients identify and acquire income producing properties and value-ad development opportunities.
Learn more about Jason Somers or contact us.