who we are...
principals: downtown works is directed by two real estate and retail professionals who together possess 65 years of experience.
Margaret McCauley has been at the forefront of the urban retail industry since her days working with legendary retail developer and real estate visionary Jim Rouse. She draws on her deep experience and the resources and perspectives of retailers, private developers, corporations, urban planners, and design professionals to help clients successfully transform their downtowns into dynamic environments that serve the needs of residents, professionals, and visitors alike.
Among other appointments, McCauley serves on the Board of the International Downtown Association and of the Woodrow Wilson House presidential museum. She is Chair of the American Institute of Architecture's Retail and Entertainment Knowledge Community Advisory Group and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers . An associate of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), McCauley was part of a team of experts tapped to develop the "Ten Principles for Rebuilding Neighborhood Retail." She is frequently invited to share her knowledge at universities, professional conferences, and with public and private development corporations.
Among other appointments, McCauley serves on the Board of the International Downtown Association and of the Woodrow Wilson House presidential museum. She is Chair of the American Institute of Architecture's Retail and Entertainment Knowledge Community Advisory Group and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers . An associate of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), McCauley was part of a team of experts tapped to develop the "Ten Principles for Rebuilding Neighborhood Retail." She is frequently invited to share her knowledge at universities, professional conferences, and with public and private development corporations.
Scott Schuler has nearly three decades of experience conducting retail and commercial real estate research for clients in the United States, Canada, South America, the Caribbean and Europe.
To date, Schuler has completed studies in over 300 markets both small-such as Victoria, Texas and Missoula, Montana, and large-including Honolulu, Hawaii and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He recognizes and addresses the challenges related to suburban competition, merchant attraction and retention, and the varying pressures exerted by population and economic trends. Working for The Rouse Company in the late 70s, Schuler was an integral part of the team that pioneered downtown retail development-he since has completed retail market studies in more than 45 downtowns. Beginning in the early 90s, Schuler worked as an independent consultant. Partnering on Downtown Works has enabled him to carry his retail analyses from initial study to implementation and ongoing evaluation, bringing greater value to the clients he serves.
To date, Schuler has completed studies in over 300 markets both small-such as Victoria, Texas and Missoula, Montana, and large-including Honolulu, Hawaii and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He recognizes and addresses the challenges related to suburban competition, merchant attraction and retention, and the varying pressures exerted by population and economic trends. Working for The Rouse Company in the late 70s, Schuler was an integral part of the team that pioneered downtown retail development-he since has completed retail market studies in more than 45 downtowns. Beginning in the early 90s, Schuler worked as an independent consultant. Partnering on Downtown Works has enabled him to carry his retail analyses from initial study to implementation and ongoing evaluation, bringing greater value to the clients he serves.
Kelly Kost has over fifteen years of entrepreneurial experience in retail and restaurant environments. She helped launch and manage a collection of boutique retail stores, training staff in buying, merchandising, service and marketing with the goal of creating distinctive, enjoyable experiences for customers. Together with her husband/business partner, she conceptualized, opened and operated a restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Lucy's Table garnered regional and national acclaim for its impeccable service and Mediterranean-influenced menu emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients.
Kost also worked for a major philanthropy focused on social and enterprise development. She conducted research and assessed opportunities to build the foundation's international program strategy, formed partnerships with organizations and institutions to advance its work in Oregon, and directed the organization's communications efforts, securing national and international media coverage. Kost is a member of the International Downtown Association and served as a judge for Retail Traffic magazine's 2010 Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging (SADI) awards.
Kost also worked for a major philanthropy focused on social and enterprise development. She conducted research and assessed opportunities to build the foundation's international program strategy, formed partnerships with organizations and institutions to advance its work in Oregon, and directed the organization's communications efforts, securing national and international media coverage. Kost is a member of the International Downtown Association and served as a judge for Retail Traffic magazine's 2010 Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging (SADI) awards.
associate: McCauley and Schuler partner with Kelly Kost, Retail Strategist.
