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Renovation of Historic Retail Space by Matt Renauld, PLA and Bryan Dunn, Mahan Rykiel Associates Inc.
Suburban Square in Ardmore, Pennsylvania serves as a prime example of a mixed-use center adapting to modern changes while remaining rooted in history and community. Established in 1928 as one of the first shopping centers in the United States, Suburban Square offered an art-deco themed destination featuring a mix of shops and an anchor Strawbridge's Department store situated along a central "main street" lined with retail promenades and curbside parking. Over time, the property evolved to embrace economic and social trends that shaped the shopping experience throughout the United States. In the late 1970s, the "main street" was converted into a central courtyard and pedestrian-only mall lined with planters, stairs, and seating elements. Through the 2010s, the Central Courtyard was once again transformed, this time into a vehicular space designed to offer convenient access for shoppers and patrons, but at a detriment to the visitor experience.Despite its well-maintained state, Suburban Square faced challenges with declining occupancy, the loss of the anchor Strawbridge's store, and a car-centric design that deterred visitors. This resulted in local patrons taking their well-earned dollars to larger, newer lifestyle centers in the region that provided pedestrian amenities, new retail and restaurant uses, and events that attracted families. In 2015, property owner KIMCO Realty set out on an ambitious effort to reposition Suburban Square as a vibrant mixed-use destination that blended retail uses with dynamic community spaces focused on the pedestrian experience. A Master Plan Focused on Placemaking & ExperiencesThe repositioning effort began through a collaborative master planning process that included Mahan Rykiel Associates, a landscape architecture firm based in Baltimore, and Nelson Architects, formerly KA Architects. The design team analyzed the opportunities and constraints of the existing Suburban Square property, and the resulting analysis served as the basis for the proposed master plan improvements. Recognizing the need for a new vision, the team crafted an overall plan that focused on placemaking and the ability to link distinct districts through retail promenades within "found" spaces - i.e. underutilized vehicular drop-offs, oversized roads, and realigned drive lanes and street parking. Repurposing these spaces added significant value to the site without acquiring additional property. By reimagining these "lost" spaces, a refocus on amenities and experiences was possible while maintaining storefronts and leasable spaces.
As seen in LASN magazine, November 2024.
Giving back to the community
Creating a Multi-use, Outdoor Venue for a Growing Area
November Commentary
LASN November 2024
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