Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/704472
A new pop-up shop at Peterson Cos.' Downtown Silver Spring (Md.) is helping visitors think outside of the office. The outdoor workspace, called Outbox, opened in June. The space seats up to 20 people and allows workers to plug in their laptops, access free Wi-Fi and meet with col- leagues while enjoying the fresh air. The concept is a part- nership between the shopping center and Montgomery College's Department of Applied Technology. Students wanted to create a mobile workspace that could be broken down at the end of each day. The colorful box is intended to reflect the surrounding arts-and-entertainment district. Outbox will remain open through October. 16 S C T / a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 T H E C O M M O N A R E A COMM u NI t Y REL at ION s Farmer's markets can be tricky Downtown Atlanta's only farmer's market, established five years ago, is bringing lots of local color — and weekly traffic — to the 1960s-era Peachtree Center mixed-use development. But nobody said it would be easy. To avoid snarling traffic on main artery Peachtree Street, Peachtree Center Green Market, as the operation is called, must unfold with military precision each Thursday. "Because the Green Market is right in the heart of the city on Peachtree Street, it can be challenging for vendors to access and get set up, so we provide the tables and tents, and we also help the vendors unload," said Shayne Walsey, president of Urban Enter- prises, which coordinates the market. Designed by the famed John Portman, Peachtree Center com- prises 2.3 million square feet of office space, three hotels and about 50 restau- rants and shops. The six-build- ing complex, which houses a MARTA rail station, several regional bus stops and parking space, is in the midst of a $20 million redevelopment project aimed at further lever- aging its central location. The only weekday lunch- time market in the city, Green Market is a good complement to Peachtree Center's New Urbanist mix, Walsey says. The market boasts roughly a dozen local tenants, including Bee Wild Honey, Cosmos Organic Farm, Merrily Gardens and Sweet Auburn Bread. With local musicians playing in the background, a steady stream of office work- ers, college students and tour- ists flows into Peachtree Cen- ter's courtyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Thursday. There visitors browse for organic coffee, homemade preserves, gluten-free muffins and wild bee honey. At the close of the day, Peachtree Center donates leftover Green Market food to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Walsey says. But running a farmer's market would not be the best option for every property, Walsey points out. In addition to the right demographics and location, it requires a sincere commit- ment of time and money, she says. "When other properties ask us to do this for them, we make sure to express how challenging it can be," Walsey said. "Unless you're willing to do it right, it won't be the best use of your money. Peachtree Center spends money for the music, the tents and tables, the leftover produce for the food bank and more. That's very important." S C T Outdoor workspace pops up