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Retail Store / Shopping Center

Updated Mar 26, 2026
Mercantile Group M occupancy. Open floor plans, high ceilings, ADA-accessible entrances, fire sprinklers.

Retail: Group M (mercantile, display and sale of merchandise). Open floor plans: 60-100+ ft clear spans. Typical: slab-on-grade, steel frame or tilt-up concrete, 14-20 ft clear height. Occupant load: 30 sf/person (basement/ground floor), 60 sf/person (upper floors). Sprinklers: required >12,000 sf fire area (IBC 903.2.7). Mall buildings: special provisions IBC 402 — 3 levels max, anchor buildings separated by fire barriers. ADA: accessible entrances (60% of all public entrances), accessible route throughout, accessible fitting rooms. Energy: daylighting controls required (IECC C405.2.3 for toplighting zones). Budget: $150-$400/sf (shell), $80-$200/sf (tenant improvement).

TAGS
retailmercantileM-occupancyshoppingstore
DETAILS
cost per sf
$150-$400 shell
occupancy group
M
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