Strategic Site Selection in Commercial Real Estate: The Blueprint for Long-Term Success

May 1, 2025

In commercial real estate, success begins long before the first tenant signs a lease…it starts with strategic site selection. The right location isn’t just about geography; it’s about aligning data, demographics, and vision to create properties that thrive for years to come.

At AB&B, site selection is both a science and an art. It’s a meticulous process rooted in data-driven decision-making, partnership, and a deep understanding of market trends. As Jimmy Ricard, COO of AB&B, puts it, “Anyone can buy property, but we’re not in the business of chance. We use data to uncover where growth meets opportunity, ensuring every asset we develop is positioned for long-term success.”

Why Strategic Site Selection Matters More Than Ever

As market dynamics evolve, selecting the right site has become critical to mitigating risk and maximizing returns. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Commercial Real Estate Outlook, investors are increasingly focused on fundamentals like tenant demand, local economic growth, and property adaptability to future-proof their assets.

Key factors shaping today’s site selection strategies include:

  • Population Growth & Demographics: High-growth corridors signal opportunity. Identifying areas with expanding populations, favorable age distributions, and strong household incomes is essential.

  • Visibility & Accessibility: The Urban Land Institute (ULI) emphasizes that properties along high-traffic routes outperform peers due to increased exposure and convenience, especially for service-oriented tenants like healthcare providers.

  • Economic Resilience: Markets anchored by stable industries, such as healthcare, education, and technology, offer long-term security against economic fluctuations.

  • Proximity to Complementary Services: Today’s tenants and consumers value convenience. Sites near retail hubs, residential developments, and lifestyle amenities attract both businesses and their customers.

Data-Driven Decisions: AB&B’s Approach

AB&B’s site selection process integrates:

  • Demographic Analysis: Evaluating household income, population density, age distribution, and healthcare spending patterns.

  • Competitive Landscape Reviews: Mapping existing businesses to identify service gaps and avoid oversaturation.

  • Traffic & Visibility Studies: Ensuring ease of access and high daily traffic counts to support tenant success.

  • Future Growth Indicators: Monitoring planned infrastructure projects, residential developments, and employment hubs.

This disciplined approach ensures that every property AB&B acquires isn’t just viable today but positioned for sustainable growth.

Coming Next: The Glennon Case Study & The Power of Co-Tenancy

In Part 2, we’ll explore how AB&B is applying this strategy to develop The Glennon in Knightdale, NC, turning raw land into a thriving medical hub. We’ll also dive into the importance of tenant mix, and how thoughtful co-tenancy strategies enhance property performance and community value.

Stay tuned as we continue to unpack what makes a commercial property truly successful – from the ground up.