Big Box to Big Blocks: The Empty Commercial to Multifamily Makeover w/George Pasquel

Big Box to Big Blocks: The Empty Commercial to Multifamily Makeover w/George Pasquel

As retail vacancies linger and housing demand surges, Arizona HB 2110 is creating a new playbook for adaptive reuse across the state. In this episode, we break down how commercial-to-multifamily conversions are moving from theoretical to feasible—and why this bill could be a game changer for developers, municipalities, and investors alike.

We dive into how HB 2110 opens the door to by-right or streamlined residential entitlements on underutilized commercial sites, reducing rezoning friction and shortening timelines that have historically killed deals. From aging shopping centers to struggling office corridors, we explore where the biggest opportunities lie—and where local resistance may still present hurdles.

Whether you’re repositioning a dying retail center or advising clients on land strategy, this episode unpacks the legal mechanics and real-world implications of Arizona’s latest push to turn empty square footage into much-needed housing.