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Architects: JPRA Architects
- Area: 200000 m²
Text description provided by the architects. The complete renaissance of Cherry Hill Mall has repositioned the center as an elegant, contemporary classic shopping/dining experience. Prior to the renovation, the Owner, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) recognized that while strong customer demographics existed, many were driving by the center to shop at competing developments. With the potential addition of a Nordstrom department store, the need for a major repositioning of the center was appropriate. As a result, the comprehensive renovation of the development included the addition of a 138,000 sqf Nordstrom, an additional 62,000 sqf of two-level mall GLA, a new multi-level parking structure, and the complete renewal of the interior mall, all while the center remained in full operation.
More after the break.
The existing one and two-level mall, parts of which date back to the original 1962 Victor Gruen design, was completely renovated from top to bottom starting with the relocation of an existing food court. The redesigned, sky lit grand court now provides a common connection between the new Nordstrom wing and the renovated existing mall leading to JCPenney and Macy’s. The modernized grand court is now a radiant showcase space for featuring daily and seasonal events.
New escalators and elevators were added to improve circulation within upper and lower mall areas, including the important ‘transition’ court and its critical sight lines leading to the existing two-level portion of the mall. By incorporating all new tile floors in contemporary colors and patterns, upgraded skylights, new horizontal ceiling planes, new lighting, richly detailed wood column covers and other refreshing amenities, a distinct fashion-forward image was brought to Cherry Hill Mall.
Existing amenities in the grand court were removed and a striking new fountain and seating area was created. Likewise, topiary trees, soft seating, benches, and landscaped planters were designed with a customer friendly attitude, while supporting the mall’s interior architecture and retail purpose. The exterior of the building was also addressed – starting with the addition of several new restaurants adjacent to existing mall entries. These restaurants not only give emphasis to the entries, but significantly energize the existing mall elevations. New beautifully landscaped entry plazas now provide a welcome feeling and introduce the renovated entries with a material palette of warm stone, satin finish metal and clearstory sky lit ceilings. The end result: Cherry Hill Mall has successfully repositioned itself in the marketplace.
This dramatic redevelopment has extended the mall’s penetration beyond the Southern New Jersey market into the Philadelphia Metro market, stimulated PREIT’s ability to introduce several first-to-market retailers, and introduced over 151,000 sqf of new, expanded and/or relocated specialty stores in 2009. Post redevelopment Cherry Hill Mall has generated double digit sales increases averaging 13.8% per month – with comparable sales-per-square-foot well over $500. It is a fact that of the national retailers reporting sales each month, over 80% of the Cherry Hill locations have outperformed the retailer’s national average every month since the redevelopment. Cherry Hill Mall is now a thriving, dynamic and engaging retail and community space inviting interaction and stimulating connection between the center and the guest; positioning it for years of future success.
This project was awarded the following distinctions: 2010 Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging (SADI) Award Honorable Mention for Renovated or Expanded Enclosed Center (sponsored by Retail Traffic Magazine); 2010 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) US Design & Development Awards Silver for Renovation or Expansion of an Existing Project; and the 2010 Philadelphia Business Journal Best Real Estate Deals Award for Commercial Project.
