Panelist

Mrs. Anna Deans

Midway

As Executive Vice President, Deans oversees the development of commercial and multifamily projects from inception to delivery, to ensure the entirety of the project aligns with Midway's investment strategy. Deans' expertise lies within the strategy and execution of large-scale, mixed-use destinations. One of Deans' primary focuses is Midway's East River project, 150 acres of carefully designed, multi-phase, mixed-use development that will transform Houston's waterfront east of Downtown into a new economic center. Prior to joining Midway, Deans developed mixed-use properties for Thor Equities and earlier in her career was a design architect for Gensler. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas, Austin and is a LEED accredited licensed architect in the state of Texas. ABOUT MIDWAY Houston-based Midway is a privately owned, fully integrated real estate investment and development firm that has provided the highest level of quality, service and value to clients and investors for over 50 years. Midway's portfolio of projects completed and/or underway consists of more than 45 million square feet of properties ranges from mixed-use destinations to office, industrial facilities, and master-planned residential communities. Midway continues to develop projects of distinction, aesthetic relevance and enduring value for investors, clients, and the people who live, work, and thrive in the environment they create.

Speaking at

Tue May 13 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time Colorado Convention Center - Street Level, 405-407

The Future of Downtowns Is Out in the Suburbs

Ms. Wendy Dunnam Tita, Page

Mr. Daniel Brooks, Page

Mrs. Anna Deans, Midway

Mr. Nic Whittaker, Greystar

Category Mixed-Use

Type Concurrent Session Open to All Attendees

A recent Harvard study shows that millennials are now returning to the suburbs, and gen Z plans to stay there. This is due to several emerging trends, but a major factor is the rising cost of rent and homeownership in major cities, which makes it difficult for gen Z to afford living in prime downtown locations. As urban costs rise and younger generations seek affordable alternatives to city living, the suburbs are evolving to meet this demand by adopting compact, mixed-use developments that mirror urban downtowns. This session will explore the recent trend of suburban reinvention, where developers, corporate tenants, and investors are seizing opportunities to build new, walkable town centers complete with retail, office, and residential spaces. Drawing on case studies from across the country, the panel will highlight how this shift presents both financial and social opportunities while reshaping the suburban landscape.