Finding Momentum: Mixed-Use Growth Signals Resilience in U.S. Construction

kkilpatrick

28/10/2025

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While much has been said about uncertainty in the office market, new data from Building Design + Construction paints a more nuanced—and encouraging—picture for the glass and glazing industry. According to the latest CommercialCafe National Office Report, the first nine months of 2025 saw nearly as much office construction as all of 2024, a sign that developers and investors are slowly regaining confidence.

Mixed-Use Projects Lead the Way

The most promising trend driving this resurgence is the growth of mixed-use developments. Projects like the recently launched Van Zandt Building in Fort Worth—a $400 million, eight-story development combining office, residential, and retail space—reflect how designers are responding to shifting market needs.
Developers are prioritizing flexibility, amenity-rich environments, and smaller “jewel box” offices that promote collaboration and convenience. As noted in the report, the demand for highly amenitized, best-in-class spaces is keeping activity steady even in markets where vacancy rates remain high.

Regional Dynamics Show Select Strength

Markets such as Boston, Miami, and Dallas-Fort Worth continue to show positive indicators. Boston leads the nation in office construction underway, Miami’s vacancy rate has dropped by more than two percentage points, and DFW’s momentum is being driven by vibrant mixed-use projects. These patterns suggest that where new development occurs, it’s increasingly integrated, adaptable, and designed for the way people work today.

Why This Matters for Glass and Glazing

For companies like Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, these trends underscore the ongoing demand for high-performance architectural glass that can support flexibility, energy efficiency, and visual openness. Mixed-use and adaptive-reuse projects rely heavily on glazing solutions that provide both comfort and protection—qualities that define Isoclima’s advanced product lines.

As developers seek to attract tenants and residents with daylight, transparency, and modern aesthetics, glass becomes central to delivering those experiences. The fact that construction activity is rebounding around projects emphasizing design quality and occupant wellness is a positive signal for our industry and our customers alike.

Staying Ahead of Global Trends

At Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, we stay closely connected to the pulse of global construction and design movements. These recent insights from Building Design + Construction reinforce our commitment to innovation—ensuring our partners have access to the latest advancements in safety, performance, and architectural integration.

The message is clear: the future of the built environment is bright, adaptive, and filled with opportunity—and we’re proud to help build it, one pane at a time.

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