La Palmera Construction Schedule Revamped
- Details
- Published on Monday, 29 September 2008 10:17
Several factors prompt mall owners to reevaluate schedule
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Sept. 29, 2008) –Although Hurricane Ike spared Corpus Christi, the disruptions it caused in Houston are now being felt at La Palmera, contributing to management’s decision to rework the mall’s construction schedule.
The mall lost a week’s time while undergoing required preparations for Ike. Additional delays then came to light following the storm when it became clear some construction materials making their way through Houston would not be arriving as planned. These and other factors prompted a schedule overhaul which is not yet completed.
“Renovations continue at La Palmera – they’ll now just be happening in a different order,” said Trademark Property Founding Partner Terry Montesi. “We had everything ready to go and timed out to work around the busy holiday season. Delays we have now encountered would have caused us to work well into the holidays and we absolutely did not want that. We’ll continue to move forward with the renovations, we’re just starting some things now and holding off on other projects until after the holidays when it’s less disruptive. “
Instead of beginning work on the main level escalators and completing the architectural ellipse in the West Court, the new schedule calls for crews to begin work on the new Food Court to be located on the main level behind the barricade adjacent to Dillard’s. New soft seating areas, benches, pots and trash receptacles will be brought in as planned for the common areas and new directory signage will be added. The new escalators, architectural ellipse and other items are now slated for work in early 2009.
“We can get a jump on the new food court and know that even as work continues through the holidays, it’s in a confined space that doesn’t affect our shoppers,” said Montesi. “We’re looking to see what other items might be moved up as well. It’s disappointing, certainly, to have to reschedule but it’s the right decision.”
In all, nearly $50 million will be spent on transforming the former Padre Staples Mall into a top retail destination. All renovations are still expected to be complete by fall 2009.
