Urban Space is a leading developer and manager of specialty retail markets in the United States and Great Britain, drawing more than 15 million visitors to its projects annually. Camden Lock, begun by Urban Space in 1978, is the fourth busiest visitor destination in Greater London and spawned the cosmetics chain "Body Shop" and fashion designer "Red or Dead." For over 30 years, USM has been breathing life and energy into a variety of inner city spaces, revitalizing them for new cultural and commercial uses. These may be historic buildings whose circumstances have changed, sites blighted by impending development for which profitable interim uses can be found, or prime downtown locations which cry out for a more imaginative mix of uses. 

The Urban Space approach is never to impose a solution but to grow it organically from the nature of the space. Creativity, individual enterprise, and often performance arts are essential ingredients. The aim is to create a constantly varied "place" which will become a vital part of the community and generate long-term economic value.

In New York City, Urban Space started the trend toward design focused markets with the Grand Central Holiday Market in 1993 and continuing with markets from the South Street Seaport to Columbus Circle.  As the name implies, these markets are special places where residents, workers, and visitors come together in a public place and experience the delights of the city.  They create a special space within an urban area.