The Transformation Continues at Peninsula Town Center
April 6, 2007
Rome - and its famous Coliseum - may not have been built in a day, but as demolition of the Coliseum Mall gets underway in Hampton, Virginia, excited local residents will be wishing that construction of the new Peninsula Town Center could be accomplished that quickly. While not quite a 24-hour process, development of the new Peninsula Town Center is well on its way, and demolition of the existing 35-year-old enclosed mall represents a major milestone for this innovative new project.
A celebratory Holiday Season Parade marked the unofficial transition from the old to the new, and most of the Coliseum Mall was officially closed to the public in January. As official demolition began in March and Peninsula Town Center starts to become a reality, anticipation is growing. The Peninsula design transforms the older enclosed mall into an open-air town center. The open format injects life and energy into the project, and turns a fading retail concept into an iconic regional destination.
All told, the Peninsula redevelopment encompasses over one million square feet of retail, dining, office and residential space on 75 acres. By reestablishing the street grid and creating public gathering places, such as a central town square and a children's play fountain, Peninsula Town Center will become more than just a collection of shops. It will serve as a true public asset, a mixed-use destination that celebrates the energy of traditional small-town streets and busy public squares. Construction of new roadway and utility infrastructure around the project ensures that both new and existing elements will be integrated into the fabric of the City.
Existing mall anchors Macy's and J.C. Penney are remaining open throughout the demolition and construction process and will be integrated into the finished plan. Macy's is receiving an extensive exterior renovation and upgrade, while J.C. Penney will occupy new space currently under construction. Final demolition is slated to be complete by late fall, and the second part of the multi-phase development strategy begins in late Spring 2007, when full-scale construction is scheduled to begin in earnest.
In keeping with Steiner + Associates' and Mall Properties' commitment to Green Initiatives, steel from the demolition will be recycled and a material crusher will be used to grind, recycle and reuse concrete and other construction materials, minimizing the amount of debris sent to a landfill.
A popular concept that has been very well received by local residents, Peninsula Town Center is off to a great start. A community focus group has been planned to continue that relationship by eliciting feedback and enhancing communication with surrounding communities. The new Peninsula Town Center will be accessible to more than 550,000 people who live in the region and more than 880,000 people within 30 minutes of the site.
Scheduled for Grand Opening in late 2008, The Peninsula Town Center is destined to have a profound impact on surrounding communities. As a powerful regional draw and an invigorating commercial and social community presence, The Peninsula Town Center design embodies the transformative power of innovative mixed-use design.
