View Full Version : Laurel Mall to get new look, new name


Silver Springer
February 1st, 2007, 04:40 PM
Laurel Mall to get new look, new name

Baltimore Business Journal - 4:10 PM EST Wednesdayby Erin KillianContributor

The owners of Laurel Mall plan to redevelop and rename the 28-year-old mall.

Los Angeles-based Somera Capital Management and Boston-based AEW Capital Management, which acquired the mall a year ago for $31 million, are revamping the list of retailers, restaurants and entertainment, including adding a large bookstore and a 16-screen movie theater that will replace the JCPenny.


The project still needs to win Laurel city approvals. The companies expect to seek permits this summer and begin construction at the end of the year.

The mall, at 14700 Baltimore Ave., is an estimated 503,000 square feet. That's not expected to change with the renovation.

"The redevelopment plan will improve Laurel Mall's retail offerings, increase pedestrian traffic into the center, and heighten the connectivity between the mall and the community," said Steve Plenge, executive vice president of Somera Capital Management, in a statement.

Callison is the architect on the project, and General Growth Properties leases the mall.

The owners plan to build a pedestrian strip with outdoor seating, wide sidewalks, benches, plazas and new lighting. There will be a new food court with a lounge and skylight. The owners will build a new parking structure and remove the old one. They also plan to add an atrium, a children's play area and limestone flooring.

The cost of the redevelopment is expected to be released later this year, according to Tom Falatko, senior vice president of Somera Capital Management.

waj0527
February 1st, 2007, 09:18 PM
Good. That place looks really dated.

getontrac
February 2nd, 2007, 12:47 AM
The whole area of Laurel is a topic urban planners could munch on for years!

Yeah, Laurel built SO MUCH retail, now they have too much and much is dated and deteriorated, so what do they do build more!

Hopefully, this signals more changes and some sensible re-design of Baltimore Ave for the future as well.

Nate

KGB89
February 2nd, 2007, 01:10 AM
Damn, I thought they would've torn that rathole down years ago. Great news.

harlem87
February 2nd, 2007, 07:23 AM
The whole area of Laurel is a topic urban planners could munch on for years!

Yeah, Laurel built SO MUCH retail, now they have too much and much is dated and deteriorated, so what do they do build more!

Hopefully, this signals more changes and some sensible re-design of Baltimore Ave for the future as well.

Nate

This dude is not only a Maryland Basher but he/she is delusional too.:nuts:

Until Laurel gets a Nordtroms, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylors, Bloomingdales and other Upscale stores that are popular in Tysons Corner, VA then Laurel has NOT built enough RETAIL.

pwright1
February 2nd, 2007, 09:48 AM
It always amazes me why none of those stores ever attempted to enter Prince Georges County. Especially areas outside of the Beltway where the average income is near or above six figures.