15 Valuable Rules of Thumb in Commercial Real Estate Planning and Design.

15 Rules of Thumb for Retail Development Standards

I have an extensive collection of Rules of Thumb for Retail Development Standards. While these guidelines may not be universally applicable and exceptions do exist, any proposal, design, or concept that questions a rule will prompt a discussion. Such discussions are always conducted with an open mind.

1. Parking Spaces
Not less than 9’ wide and ideally 9’6” by 19-20 feet deep.

2. Diagonal Parking
60 Degrees

3. Space between parking rows.
Allow 20 feet aisles between parking spaces.

4. Parking Lots: 350 square feet per parking space.
A parking space takes up less than 200 sq. ft., but as a rule of thumb I assume 350 square feet per space to account for drive lanes, landscape islands, and drop off and pick up.

5. Parking Garage Cost
Parking decks cost a lot more than you think when all factors are considered. In recent years $35,000 per space was a good rule of thumb but today it is $50,000 or more. Below grade is more and going down more than one level can double the price.

6. Interesting Twists and Turns
Irregular shopping center walkways are not kind to even pedestrian flows and result in inefficient store layouts and problematic column spacing.

7. Design and Don’t Merchandise
Don’t use merchandising solutions to fix design problems in space layouts.

8. Watch the Ceiling Height
 For small shop space, I prefer a minimum slab-to-roof structure height of not less than 18 feet (20 feet for restaurants) to provide maximum flexibility for displays, lighting, design features which ensures sufficient space for mechanical systems of above finished ceiling systems.

9. Bay Spacing
Bay spacing and column placement is crucial. A 30-foot column grid is a good starting point.

10. Grading plans
Architects often overlook grade changes in early design studies and the fix is not easy. So be sure to align site grading carefully with a demised space plan to avoid internal space changes in floor slaps.

11. Second Levels: Use Them Wisely
 Second level retail space often costs twice as much to build and only generate half of the sales of a ground floor.

12. Second Level Dining Rooms
Second level restaurant space require dramatic staircases, large open atriums to provide lower-level views, and when available dramatic water and sunset views.

13. The Front and Back Equation
 Every store needs a functional front for shoppers and a practical back for operations and service. This becomes problematic with parking behind stores, double loaded malls, and waterfront facing retail.

14. Strike a Balance
 Store interiors need a balance between wall space for displays and show windows for exterior visual appeal.

15. Proportional Width
 A store’s width should ideally be at least one-third of its depth with exceptions in high-traffic urban areas or unique architectural settings.

I'll be sharing many more rules of thumb organized in categories which will be found in my new website.