Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
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114 S C T / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 New Developments Gold Award | University Commons | Knoxville, Tenn. Total Retail Space: 208,073 square feet Number of Stores: 30 U niversity Commons is the first urban, vertical retail structure in Knoxville, within walking distance of the University of Tennessee campus. The project revitalized a blighted abandoned industrial brownfield into a productive retail center. Built upon the former site of Fulton Bellows, a metal workings and foundry operation, the 200,000-plus-square- foot development revives the look and feel of an earlier 1930s period, adapted for a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining experience. Timeless materials like brick and ornamental steel are used throughout the design, to help create a nostalgic, inviting addition to the local landscape. The "main street" townscape suggests a small town built along a local railroad. Brick and stone walls with painted steel beams, columns and period details serve to delineate the desired architectural time period. Designers built a small train station on the site to accommodate the G&O; railroad's seasonal Three Rivers Rambler steam excursion trains. This attraction brings patrons from distances outside the normal trade area while adding vibrancy and excitement to an area previously devoid of retail opportunities. The project has transformed a long-standing brownfield site by careful attention to the designs of foundation systems that had minimal impact on the area and by providing an ecologically friendly storm water management system that removes suspended solids, oil and grease from parking areas. n DEVELOPMENT COMPANY: CHM, LLC OWNER: University Commons, LLC DESIGN ARCHITECTS: Pieper O'Brien Herr Architects PRODUCTION OR EXECUTIVE ARCHITECTS: Terry Herr, AIA LEASING/ MANAGEMENT COMPANY: CHM, LLC DESIGNSTARS