Consultant urges Lewisville to pursue placemaking, mixed‑use redevelopment to attract talent and reuse underused malls

Paris, principal of Catalyst Urban Development, told an audience at a Lewisville city planning forum that the city should prioritize placemaking and mixed‑use redevelopment to attract and retain talent and grow the tax base. "In this economy, competitive advantage has shifted to those cities and regions that can generate, retain, and attract the best talent," Paris said, arguing that strong public spaces, a mix of uses and walkable neighborhood centers increase property values and population retention.

Why it matters: Paris framed placemaking as an economic strategy, not only urban design. He said projects that emphasize design and public life can be "about 10 to 30% more in value" and can retain residents "up to, like, 60, sometimes 80% more than its competitors." Lewisville officials and residents at the forum raised redevelopment of large underused properties — including the Vista Ridge Mall site — transit access, concerns…