The Uncommon Story of a Pandemic Era-Born Mixed-Use Project

UnCommons, the 40-acre mixed-use campus developed by Matter Real Estate Group in Southwest Las Vegas, might be considered a pandemic success story—and for good reason. Although it broke ground in August 2020 at the height of global uncertainty, the project stayed the course to show what a workplace could be like after COVID-19.

Located just off the Strip, the $850 million phased development currently comprises some 350,000 square feet of office space and 62,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, as well as 352 of residential units. At full buildout, UnCommons is set to include 500,000 square feet of office space, 91,000 square feet of retail and more than 830 apartments.

Benefitting from research-backed design delivered by Gensler, UnCommons is Nevada’s first development built to WELL Certification standards, with workplace well-being at its core.

Developer Matter Real Estate Group has $10 billion worth of office, industrial, retail and residential projects in its portfolio, but this Southwest Valley venture stands out. Partner Jim Stuart took us behind the scenes of a development that thrived against the odds.

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What key decisions helped the project move forward when many office projects struggled?

Stuart: We wanted people to feel safe coming to the office, so we worked with architectural firm Gensler to put health and safety at the forefront. The development pivoted to meet the rigorous WELL Building Standard, including state-of-the-art HVAC systems, operable windows, patios, touch-free access and uses interior materials that limit the spread of bacteria …

We gained confidence in our direction, the entirety of our Phase One office buildings were 100 percent leased during the pandemic. Since then, our follow-up phases have been met with similar market demand that now includes some of the most forward-thinking employers in the world. Names such as Morgan Stanley, CBRE, EY, Wells Fargo, Deloitte and others. In a few instances, we already have employers expanding their footprints at the campus within months of opening offices here.

And the office campus is nearly fully leased, commanding a 44 percent premium over neighboring projects. In your opinion, why is that?

Stuart: We know that an environment that fosters joy and creativity leads to better individual and team performance, and better business performance overall. And businesses realize this, too. The premium brands that locate at UnCommons have invested in their space, which leads to reduced turnover and encourages people to return to the office for collaboration and teamwork.

The campus has an extensive social calendar, with activities every week. Our broad array of brand offerings, living space and beautiful workspaces combine to create a compelling space. Curated artwork from local artists invites people to connect, discuss, share and start conversations.

This approach works. We continue to attract top firms—and their employees want to come to the office because this is a fun, safe and engaging location.

In what ways did hiring neuroscientists and social workers help with the design and function of the campus?

Stuart: At the onset of the pandemic and after a few weeks of reflection, we realized that the popular narrative of ‘no one is going back to the office’ was a large overreaction. We took a more curious approach and asked ‘what will people want to go back to?’ To navigate those learnings, we re-engaged our experienced design firm asking these questions.

The neuroscientists framed two critical issues that would greatly influence the non-conscious brain after the pandemic. Specifically, the brain will seek out safety in its environment along with social connection. These two truths helped inform design going forward, from our investment into advanced air systems and touchless access to our extensive social event planning along with ‘social nodes’ that instigate connection.

Why was is important to you to put health and wellness at the core of this project’s design?

Stuart: UnCommons began with a human-centered design focus to amplify social connection and a sense of belonging. Then the world changed with COVID-19 and we doubled down to optimize for a post-pandemic environment. Our responsibility as developers changed and so did the caliber of the experience.

The new priorities for us amplified many of our previous beliefs. An awareness that above all things, people will seek out safe and healthy environments that could also instigate serendipitous connection to others … (as) in the wake of the pandemic, people were more disconnected and lonelier than ever.

… Our curated environment promotes community, whether gathering at one of our first-to-market brands like Salt & Straw or Blue Botte Coffee, or perhaps taking a high-intensity exercise class, or relocating with your laptop outside to work as you soak up sunshine and the natural beauty of the area.

By the way, why do you think this project has been able to attract premium retail brands that are new to the Vegas market?

Stuart: Premium brands see the value in what UnCommons has to offer. We imagined a perfect day and built a property that could play host to that dream. The location is prime, near the Vegas Strip but far enough away to skip the traffic and overwhelming crowds …

READ ALSO: Why Retail Belongs in Office Projects

Besides shopping options, other elements that contribute to the overall experience at UnCommons are art and dining offerings. Tell us some details about them.

Stuart: Immersive art provokes thought and invites dialogue—whether one of the murals, uplifting quotations or engaging questions sprinkled throughout the project. This environment, combined with the opportunity to dine at one of the premier restaurants located here, makes for a unique and memorable experience. Many first-to-market brands have located here, including Salt & Straw, Blue Bottle Coffee, Sunlife Organics, Urth Caffe and more. Other foodie favorites include All’Antico Vinaio, Todo Bien, General Admission, Wineaux, Amari Italian Kitchen, Rare Society and Siempre by J. Blanco. And Stix Asia has announced it is bringing its first-to-the-mainland fusion Asian Food Hall here.

With UnCommons being the final office development on the Vegas Beltway, what’s next for Matter?

Stuart: In the current environment, like others, we are carefully watching capital reactions and business pulse. That said, our learnings in developing the UnCommons campus are extensive. We believe this novel approach to design thinking gives us an edge to apply new principles and fresh perspectives in other markets.

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