There are several benefits and positive aspects to living in a mixed-use building. Various odors and noises reflect the vibrant and diverse community you are a part of. Let’s discuss the unique experiences where sights, sounds and smells can transform with the seasons when living in a mixed-use building.
Do you ever feel like somebody is watching you all the time? This isn’t an uncommon feeling when living in tight spaces such as mixed-use buildings. If you have a balcony or a front door area, change it with the seasons to have something interesting for people to stare at. When you need some privacy, add some soundproof curtains. This will give you privacy and benefit from any street noise. Various plants can also offer some privacy and help with some clean air around you to help eliminate pollution from living in the urban area.
We’ve all experienced those sounds that go bump in the night, but some may have more when living in a mixed-use building. Take notice of the different sounds that vary with the seasons. The spring symphony of cafes and restaurants opening for outside seating, filling the air with chatter of dinners enjoying the fresh air. Songbirds return with a delightful chirping, adding to the urban soundscape. Then, in the summer, you have that serenade of street musicians and open-air markets that bring in vibrant crowds. Next, the Autumn season cools the air, and you might notice the gentle rustling of leaves as people and cars pass by. Screams of trick-or-treaters fill the air with fright, and an occasional hoot of an owl might pass by when finding a tasty midnight snack from a nearby restaurant dumpster. Finally, the winter whispers of a more peaceful time, but the sound of the holiday music and jingle bells add a festive touch. You might even hear carolers filling the air if you are lucky, creating a lively atmosphere. All this will bring a sense of belonging and excitement of living in an urban environment.
The olfactory experiences in mixed-use buildings also shift as time passes. Spring brings the scent of blooming flowers from nearby florists and the promise of fresh seasonal dishes from the restaurants. Walking through the building, you may catch whiffs of fragrant floral bouquets or the aroma of newly brewed coffee. People tend to be spring cleaning then, so you might smell Clorax and other various cleaning products. As summer comes, the smells of food vendors or food trucks at outdoor events bring an enticing aroma of multiple cuisines. The fragrance of grilled BBQ foods, fresh fruits and flowers at summer markets and festivals become an integral part of the atmosphere. When the wheel turns to the darker part of the year, autumn ushers in the scent of falling leaves and pumpkin spice! The aroma of baked goods like apple pies fills the air. With Halloween around the corner, witch’s brews in the cauldron might entice you to a vile or two of the magical potions. And finally, in the winter, the holiday season introduces scents of evergreen trees and hot peppermint mochas. Nearby shops and cafes may serve warm, comforting fragrances like mulled wine or freshly baked gingerbread cookies.
Living in a mixed-use building will have some downfalls, such as unwanted pests or rodents. Be sure you keep your renter’s insurance updated so you are covered from unwanted intrusions.
Residents become part of the dynamic, ever-evolving urban tapestry by experiencing the changing sights, sounds and scents of a mixed-use building. These season shifts create a sense of community, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of city life.
