It’s that time of year again, when I dust off the crystal ball to predict commercial construction trends for the following year. If you didn’t read last year’s post on “Commercial Construction Trends 2010,” you should know these predictions are based on the new commercial construction projects Englewood Construction has heard are in the pipeline for 2011 across the country, as well as my 30+ years of combined experience as an architect and national general commercial contractor.

1. Wet, but not Wild. Around Labor Day 2008, the faucet shut off for commercial construction projects. By Thanksgiving of 2009, there was a trickle of new drawings coming in, which increased to a steady flow throughout 2010. In fact, by August of this year, we had billed as much work as all of 2009. And from what we hear and see, 2011 should be even better than 2010. There are some great opportunities, especially in retail construction, as highly motivated landlords are offering prime locations with attractive rents. Read more on this commercial construction news below in trends three and four.
2. Apple Magic. You can bet smart retailers will continue to mimic the magic shopping experience Apple has created with their retail stores. This may entice some brands to undertake retail construction renovations of their stores to offer a more engaging venue and keep customers in their space longer. It might also mean brands need to get creative in using store space. For example, lululemon builds yoga class space in its stores. The brand also frequently repaints their locations to keep them fresh and looking like new retail construction. And Target became even more of a one-stop destination by renovating limited locations with full-on grocery stores.
3. International Invasion. The influx of available and attractive retail space is also appealing to foreign retailers looking to grow their brand stateside. This is especially good news for Chicago commercial construction, as exciting foreign brands are drawn to our city. AllSaints and Topshop from England; Australian jewelry brands Diva and Michael Hill; Italian glove maker Seminetta; Spanish retailer Desigual; and Japan clothing store UNIQLO have all announced (or be rumored) to be setting up shop here.
   And while most foreign retailers prefer their own store, don’t be surprised if more of them opt to introduce their brand through department stores. Spanish retailer Mango is a prime example as it created the MNG store-within-a-store at JCPenny to complement its line of Mango stores.
4. Off the Shelf, Into the Box. While international retailers may partner with department stores to enhance their brand, we could also see an increase in new retail construction from popular domestic brands leaving large retailers to build their own store due to attractive leasing options. Both Vera Bradley and more-recently LittleMissMatched have ventured out with their own line of stand-a-lone stores, while still maintaining a strong presence with independent retailers.
5. Fast-Casual. This phrase was a saving grace for many in the restaurant construction industry and we’ll continue to see more of these stores in 2011. Whether it’s a familiar brand like Noodles & Company, or new concepts like Pei Wei and Boloco, these fast-casual restaurants are striking a chord with the public. Expect to see more new restaurant construction in the fast-casual sector than other restaurant arenas in 2011.
   Whether you agree or disagree with my predictions, I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts on restaurant construction trends or retail construction trends for 2011. But this year isn’t over yet, so stay tuned for an upcoming blog on the best and worst of commercial construction 2010.

Bill Di Santo
President
Tel: 847-233-9200 x710

Questions? Comments? You can reach me at bill.disanto@englewoodconstruction.com

www.englewoodconstruction.com