Lutherville center's new look aimed at retaining tenants, luring new ones
By Loni Ingraham
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Posted 8/11/10
The economy may be lagging in retail markets, but officials at Padonia Village say their shopping center is good to go.
The 110,000-square-foot shopping center at the corner of York and Padonia roads is sporting a $600,000 makeover by Continental Realty Corp., a firm that has owned the center in Timonium since 2006.
Anchored by a Mars supermarket, a Rite-Aid and the Padonia Station Bar & Grille, the center includes 24 office, retail and professional services tenants.
The renovation represents "an investment in our present and future tenants," said J.M. Schapiro, Continental's CEO. Schapiro said the renovation also demonstrates a commitment to the community to ensure the center's long-term viability.
Continental renovated the center in three phases.
The most recent phase focused on replacing the existing sidewalk with a combination of traditional concrete and stamped concrete featuring slate and brick patterns.
Old garden beds were removed to make space for two rain gardens that require less watering and are designed to reduce stormwater runoff. They feature native plant life such as black-eyed susans, firepower nandinas and ornamental grasses.
Continental has also improved and repainted the exterior of the center, installed new signs and lighting and bought recycling bins, tables and chairs, benches and bicycle racks.
Arium Inc. served as the architect, and Davey Commercial Grounds Management handled landscape design activities and site furnishings.
Holland Construction Co. was the general contractor.
Holland president Joe Holland said he appreciates tenants' and customers' patience and cooperation during the process, which made it possible to keep the center open during the three months of construction.
Continental had previously installed new roadside signs and renovated the second-floor, commercial office spaces.
More than 56,000 people live within a three-mile radius of Padonia Village, with an average household income exceeding $93,000, according to Continental. More than 40,000 vehicles pass the center on a daily basis along York Road, company officials said.
In conjunction with the center renovation, Padonia Station Bar and Grille is adding an outdoor seating area featuring stamped concrete and wrought-iron fencing, according to Padonia Station CEO Marc Loundas.
Continental's redo "has given us the confidence to proceed with our own renovation strategy," Loundas said.
The renovation earned high marks from Eric Rockel, president of the Greater Timonium Community Council, which represents 50 residential neighborhoods.
"I think it's very attractive," he said. "We'd like to see it remain viable."
Source - Townson Times. Read Full Article Here
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