But Houston retail experts assert that creating successful mixed-use projects increasingly depends on something a little less concrete: a reason to stick around. "What we're trying to create here, or really make people understand, is people are leasing environments; they're not necessarily leasing buildings," he said. That process begins with understanding the community before leasing tenants or designing public spaces, Rebel Retail Advisors founder and President Lacee Jacobs said. Strong grocery anchors continue to make those economics work, according to Read King Vice President of Development Guillo Machado. The firm's H-E-B-anchored projects at The Groves, City Park and Katy Park not only supported other retail leasing but also created opportunities to build adjacent multifamily developments.