The first entry in this listicle is the largest private real estate development in U.S. history, Hudson Yards. This 28-acre real estate development nestled in the heart of Manhattan is a testament to urban renewal and innovation. This expansive project offers a dynamic mix of residential and office spaces, retail outlets, and recreational amenities, creating a vibrant hub for locals and visitors to live, work, and play. Among its myriad features are the iconic Vessel, a spiraling staircase offering panoramic city views, the High Line, an elevated park built on an old rail line that provides a serene escape from the bustling city below, and The Shed, a dynamic and versatile cultural institution dedicated to showcasing innovative art, performance, and ideas across all disciplines.

Hudson Yards also features a plethora of shops and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes, while state-of-the-art residential and office spaces cater to the city’s growing demand for housing and commercial development. Through this transformative endeavor, Hudson Yards has not only reshaped the city’s skyline but also revitalized the neighborhood, paving the way for a thriving future. Once fully operational, the $25 billion redevelopment is predicted to contribute around $19 billion annually to New York City’s gross domestic product and nearly $500 million annually in New York City taxes.

The Lorton Reformatory, a historic prison facility in Lorton, Virginia, is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment project known as Liberty. Spearheaded by the Alexander Company, the five-year, $190 million undertaking aims to transform the former prison into a vibrant mixed-use community. The planned development includes residential, commercial, and public spaces, focusing on preserving the site’s historical integrity. The first phase of the project, completed in 2017, successfully converted 165 apartments from buildings that formerly housed inmates.

The project promises to substantially impact the region’s economy and surrounding area. By attracting new residents and businesses, the Liberty project is expected to create jobs and boost local commerce. At the same time, it presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine Lorton as a go-to destination. Former member of the Fairfax County, Virginia Board of Supervisors, Gerald W. Hyland (D-Mount Vernon), had said, “It’s one of the most exciting opportunities for Fairfax County in my 16 years on the Board. To have a private group with the vision they’ve demonstrated is tremendous because what they’ll do in a few years would have taken the county 25.”

With roots dating back to the late 1930s, Bethesda Row was originally known as Sacks Row, a pioneering strip shopping center that played a key role in the growth of retail shopping in downtown Bethesda. The redevelopment of Bethesda Row began in earnest in 1994 under the stewardship of Federal Realty Investment Trust. The project spread out over seven city blocks, comprises a total of 531,000 square feet and costs nearly $50 million. The area was transformed from a commercial area into a mixed-use, walkable district, reflecting a broader trend towards urban living in suburban settings.

The redevelopment of Bethesda Row stands as a testament to strategic planning, community engagement, and sustainable development. This project has successfully transformed a traditional industrial district into a thriving, modern community, contributing significantly to the economic growth and vitality of Bethesda. As Bethesda Row continues to evolve, it offers an inspiring model for other communities considering similar redevelopment projects.

The Pikesville Armory redevelopment project, a $100 million undertaking located in Baltimore County, Maryland, is currently in the early stages of development and is expected to significantly contribute to the city’s economic growth. This transformational initiative, led by the Pikesville Armory Foundation (PAF), the Baltimore-based Seawall community organization, and the Onyx Development firm, aims to convert the 14-acre historic military site into a vibrant community hub.

The armory, which was built in 1903, was recently acquired by Baltimore County and it is set to become a major community resource. The armory was sold by the Maryland Military Department to Baltimore County for the symbolic cost of $1. Once completed, the Pikesville Armory will feature indoor courts, outdoor fields, state-of-the-art playgrounds, maker spaces, theaters, lots of art spaces, walking paths, beer gardens, co-working spaces, lots of books, and so much more. By providing much-needed community services and creating an exciting venue, it is poised to significantly contribute to the city’s economic growth. Moreover, the project aligns with broader economic initiatives aimed at revitalizing old infrastructures and promoting sustainable urban development.

How about a little sweet treat for dessert? The historic Domino Sugar Refinery, an iconic landmark in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in the city’s recent history. This once bustling hub of industrial activity, pivotal to American sugar production for over a century, is being transformed into a mixed-use development that integrates the site’s unique architectural heritage into a modern urban landscape.

The full development plan for the site, scheduled for completion in 2027, proposes the construction of four new buildings to accompany the renovation of the landmark refinery. This five-block-long site will feature up to 120,000 gross square feet of retail and commercial space, waterfront improvements, and an addition of 3,000 apartments. An important change from previous plans includes the inclusion of more affordable housing units and job creation opportunities, responding to the needs of the community.