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| "New urbanism" environment in Hawaii  Tucker Sadler Architects has been retained by DeBartolo Development to master plan and design the third largest shopping complex in Hawaii named Ka Makana Ali'i. "Our vision for the property is that of a regional center, providing retail, office, hospitality and entertainment venues in a 'new urbanism' development," Greg Mueller, the CEO of Tucker Sadler, said. "This is an incredible opportunity to help decrease urban sprawl and make Ka Makana Ali'i a lifestyle destination." Ka Makana Ali'i is a smart growth development aiming to achieve economic growth and provide a unique sense of community and place. The architecture and landscaping of the new lifestyle center will promote healthy living and an inviting, active lifestyle by creating pedestrian-friendly paths and a variety of recreational features and facilities. Ka Makana Ali'i will contribute positively to the environment and utilize the latest in energy and environmentally sensitive design elements. Ka Makana Ali'i will have distinctive landscaping treatments and signage that display the elegant features of the Ho'okupu throughout the project. The Ho'okupu is an offering that is given with honor, humility and respect in Hawaii. The Ti leaves that cover the Ho'okupu are a symbol of strength and protection and are unwrapped to reveal the special gift within. "Greg Mueller and his team at Tucker Sadler Architects added creativity, wisdom and great counsel to DeBartolo Development in what we consider a world-class project that will rival any mall being built in the world, " said Edward Kobel, the President and COO of DeBartolo Development. The development will be a mixed-use, open-air shopping center that will include a department store anchor, an entertainment anchor that will most likely include movie theaters and possibly a bowling alley, restaurants, a fitness center, two business hotels with a total of 300 to 500 rooms and 200,000 square feet of office space, along with more than 4,000 surface and underground parking spaces on 67 acres and a link to Honolulu's future rail line providing access to surrounding communities. "The company expects to break ground on the 1.5 million-square foot project by the end of 2010, and will phase construction through 2013. The project will create an estimated 21,000 construction jobs over more than three years and between 3,000 and 5,000 permanent jobs," said Erin Nellis, the Western Regional Development Officer for DeBartolo Development. Ka Makana Ali'i is located within the fastest-growing region in West Oahu. The project is supported by Department of Hawaiian Homelands, which will help to fund more housing for the islands. Over the next 20 years, projections show there will be more than seven million square feet of commercial space and 65,000 jobs in the Kapolei region. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |