Phase 2 Renovations Set To Begin At La Palmera, New Food Court And Children’S Area Underway

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Published on Monday, 12 January 2009 10:45

Transformation to include updated design, more amenities, new mix of stores and features

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (January 12, 2009) – The new year marks the beginning of a new and updated shopping experience for the Coastal Bend as La Palmera prepares to start on the largest phase of the $50 million floor-to-ceiling renovation of the 40-year-old mall.

“We have eagerly anticipated this phase of our renovation plans,” said Trademark Founding Partner Terry Montesi. “We continue to deliver on the vision we promised the residents of Corpus Christi when we purchased the mall last year. By the end of this year, it will become a leisure destination unparalleled in the region.”

The transformation began in late 2008 with the arrival of updated furniture, interior landscaping, new signage and fresh paint, and work is already underway on the new food court to be located on the lower level adjacent to Dillard’s, complete with a feature 4,400-gallon centerpiece aquarium, seating for 600, flat screen televisions and a stage for entertainment. The food court will feature seven to eight tenants.

Major construction will be ongoing in various phases throughout the year with completion planned prior to the 2009 holiday shopping season. A complete transformation of the main entrance of the 1-million-square-foot mall is set to begin by March, turning it into an outdoor lifestyle court with lush landscaping, pop jet fountains, seating areas, valet parking drop off and new shops and restaurants.

The Macy’s expansion into the mall, scheduled to begin in April, will add approximately 18,000 square feet of selling space to the first floor. Handbags and Ladies Shoes will be relocated to this newly created space. Other enhancements throughout the first floor will include the re-configuration and expansion of Cosmetics, Fragrances, Jewelry, Watches, Accessories, Better Sportswear, Moderate Sportswear and other fashion departments. New carpeting and lighting, wide aisles and other upgrades will further enhance the shopping experience. The project is scheduled for completion this fall.

Other phases include a one-of-a-kind ocean-themed children’s play area with plenty of stroller parking located on the upper level, two new sets of escalators and a state-of-the-art elevator that will quickly move shoppers between La Palmera’s two levels. Multiple water features will be located throughout the property, including a 20-foot diameter fountain in the center court area. Upgraded lighting incorporates elements such as clerestory glass windows, skylights and a 26-foot-high by 38-foot-wide glass curtain wall at the new main entry, bringing
in natural light and visually connecting the interior and outdoor space. Parking areas will receive a complete resurfacing, new landscaping and pylon signage throughout, while the parking garage will receive repairs and upgrades.

Other planned amenities include free Wi-Fi, valet parking, expanded Concierge services, more restaurants, and a coffee bar planned for the new center court area.

A list of new tenants is also taking shape with many stores making plans to open this year. Already set to join the nearly 100 tenants are The Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops who will debut their 34th store this spring on the upper level and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen, an international chain offering fresh pizzas, pastas and salads, taking a spot in the new food court when it opens in early fall. In addition, more than a dozen other new and existing retailers are currently negotiating leases for 38,000 square feet of space at La Palmera.

With the updated mall layout come other tenant changes including either new or expanded locations for many --14,000 square feet of retailers have already renewed their leases -- while a few longtime fixtures will leave the mall at month’s end and relocate elsewhere, including the carousel.

“We understand there is sentimental attachment to the carousel, but it just wasn’t consistent with our long-term vision for the mall. It was a difficult and carefully considered decision,” said Montesi. “The new one-of-a-kind play area, designed exclusively for La Palmera, and the aquarium are aligned with the new vision for the mall. We are confident the new amenity package will be an exciting and soon to be, much loved feature of La Palmera’s transformation. We look forward to the community experiencing it.”

Founded in 1991, Fort Worth-based Trademark Property Co. has developed or acquired over $1.3 billion worth of retail and mixed-use space. Trademark is currently the most active mixed-use developer in Texas and one of the premier mixed-use developers in the country having completed over seven million square feet of retail and mixed-use development/redevelopment projects.

For more information on La Palmera, visit www.lapalmera.com or www.trademarkproperty.com .