Strategic Site Selection in Commercial Real Estate: Co-Tenancy & Data-Driven Success

May 1, 2025

In Part 1, we explored how location, visibility, and growth trends lay the foundation for effective site selection. But even the best-located property won’t reach its full potential without the right tenant mix and a data-driven execution strategy.

At AB&B, we know that who occupies a space is just as critical as where that space exists. Through thoughtful co-tenancy planning and analytical decision-making, we transform prime sites into thriving community hubs that deliver long-term value.

Co-Tenancy: Crafting Synergy for Long-Term Success

Success in commercial real estate is not only about filling vacancies, it’s about curating tenants that complement one another, enhancing both customer experience and tenant performance. This is the essence of co-tenancy strategy.

In collaboration with brokerage partners like MC&G Commercial, AB&B evaluates each property not only for anchor tenants but also for how additional businesses can drive mutual growth.

“When we’re looking at a space, we’re always asking, ‘Who makes sense here?’” explains Laura Saleh of MC&G. “It’s about creating convenience and synergy. For example, pairing dental and orthodontic practices with a pediatrician turns a building into a one-stop destination for families.”

Industry alignment isn’t all that’s top of mind either. Practical considerations like building design, parking ratios, and customer flow shape tenant selection. A veterinary clinic, for instance, might be a strong tenant in theory, but if a building’s shared lobby isn’t suited for pets, it disrupts the ecosystem.

Similarly, placing a pediatric clinic between fast-food restaurants with limited parking doesn’t serve patients or the business. Medical tenants often require higher parking ratios – typically five spaces per 1,000 square feet, which must be factored into planning.

A JLL report reinforces this approach, showing that retail centers anchored by healthcare providers and complemented by service-oriented businesses such as fitness studios, pharmacies, or coffee shops, see lower vacancy rates and stronger tenant retention.

At AB&B, ideal co-tenancy clusters often include:

  • Dental practices alongside physical therapy or dermatology clinics.

  • Pediatric care near family-focused services.

  • Professional offices, like insurance agencies, that align with daily community needs.

By fostering tenant synergy, AB&B creates vibrant spaces where businesses thrive together driving foot traffic, enhancing tenant satisfaction, and maximizing long-term asset value.

The Glennon: A Case Study in Data-Driven Execution

AB&B’s development of The Glennon in Knightdale/Wendell, NC, showcases how co-tenancy strategy and data-driven site selection work hand-in-hand.

“We don’t just ask where growth is happening… we ask where growth meets opportunity,” says Jimmy Ricard, COO of AB&B. “For The Glennon, we pulled building permits, mapped dental competition, analyzed demographics, and created a scorecard to ensure this site checked every box.”

In 2023, AB&B acquired land on Rolesville Road for a 10,000 sq. ft. build-to-suit medical facility for Triangle Family Dentistry, set to open in 2026. The decision was driven by:

  • 21% projected 5-year population growth.

  • Over 50,000 residents within proximity.

  • High-visibility location with 55,000+ vehicles daily.

  • Minimal dental competition nearby.

  • Adjacent developments like a future Wake Tech campus and major retail anchors.

AB&B’s partnerships with developers, engineers, and local financial institutions streamlined the process, reflecting their collaborative execution model.

By aligning demographic trends, tenant needs, and strategic partnerships, The Glennon is positioned not just as a medical office, but as a community hub designed for sustainable success.

Smarter Development, Stronger Communities

As commercial real estate evolves, properties must serve both tenant success and community convenience. AB&B’s commitment to data-driven strategies, tenant synergy, and proactive partnerships ensures that every development isn’t just functional – it’s future-proof.

By blending analytical rigor with market expertise, AB&B continues to transform high-potential sites into lasting assets across the Southeast.

If you’re ready to explore how AB&B’s approach to site selection and co-tenancy can elevate your next project or investment, let’s connect. The future belongs to those who build smarter – and AB&B is leading the way.