The evolution of where care happens
For decades, healthcare operated behind the doors of traditional medical office buildings. They were efficient, centralized, and purpose-built for clinical work. But today, how and where people want to receive care has changed.
Patients are looking for access that fits into their daily routines. They want quick, familiar, and convenient care options — not another separate destination on their to-do list. That shift has pushed healthcare delivery into retail, mixed-use, and neighborhood settings.
What’s driving the transition
Several trends are reshaping how healthcare real estate is developed:
Consumer behavior: Patients expect healthcare to be as accessible as retail.
Real estate availability: Vacant or repurposed retail spaces offer prime locations close to neighborhoods.
Operational efficiency: Smaller, outpatient-style spaces lower costs and improve scalability.
Experience design: Community-based settings create a more comfortable, approachable environment for patients.
This move from MOB to medtail isn’t just about where care happens — it’s about aligning healthcare with modern life.
Designing for the new model
Medtail developments require a careful balance of retail accessibility and healthcare functionality. Parking, signage, and visibility matter as much as compliance and workflow. The most successful projects are those that respect both worlds: patient experience and practical operations.
Good design makes care approachable. When spaces are easy to find, easy to navigate, and part of familiar surroundings, patients are more likely to keep appointments and stay connected to care.
What this means for you
If you’re a healthcare provider, investor, or community planner, the shift to medtail opens new opportunities to connect care with convenience. It allows you to meet patients where they already are while strengthening community infrastructure.
At Ashton Gray, this is the focus of every project we take on — helping healthcare providers deliver care in spaces that feel close, familiar, and built for real life.
Building the future of healthcare access
The move from MOB to medtail is more than a trend. It’s a rethinking of how communities experience care. By bringing healthcare into everyday spaces, we make it easier for people to stay healthy and connected.
Better access leads to better care. Better care builds stronger communities. And that starts with developing healthcare where life happens.
