Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/753030
126 S C T / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 ARTISTIC R E N DE R I NG OF G E N E RAL G ROWTH'S S o N o COLLECTION University Health System to serve low-income communities. "We're trying to bring more attention and a positive light to North Broad Street," DeBrest said. "We want to see a lot more community involvement." Efforts to upgrade Sullivan Progress Plaza and North Broad Street in general continue to promote Leon Sullivan's legacy to enhance black economic development. Sullivan, who hailed from West Virginia, began leading a local Zion Baptist Church in the 1950s. In addition to raising seed money from congregants to build the shopping center, he established a day-care center, a savings-and-loan program and an employment office for church members. At the time the project was built, many T he Norwalk, Conn., retail scene, at the center one of America's wealthiest markets, is undergoing something of a rebirth following years of stagnation. With a population of about 87,000, the market comprises four areas. To the north, the New York City-oriented commuter corridor along Route 7 contains some 2 million square feet of retail space that primarily serves about 3 million square feet of offices. Running east- west is the Route 1 corridor, populated on the western end by national retailers Costco, Home Depot, Kohl's and Walmart; among the nationals occupying the eastern side are Bed Bath & Beyond, Petco and Whole Foods. The strongest market is South Norwalk, also called SoNo. "That area has always been funky and entertainment-oriented, with hip restaurants and furnishings," said Penny Wickey, a 20-year veteran of this mar- ket and principal of locally based Saugatuck Commercial Real Estate, formed in 2004. "It's on the water and has some cool and funky loft apartments." Two major retail projects are under way in the SoNo area. The larger American cities were undergoing rapid, sometimes chaotic, change, according to Gregg McCort, president and executive director of the Real Estate Associate Program (REAP), aninitiative that serves as a bridge between minority professionals and commercial real estate companies seeking talent. "Its sustainability is a testament to the market and to subsequent economic and civic leaders who made sure time alone would not render it inconsequential," McCort said. "As this industry enters an era where we see more entrepreneurs of color and as we see markets evolve in their diverse makeup, Sullivan Progress Plaza stands as an inspiration that, given the opportunity, shopping centers such as this can service multiple generations, which is no insignificant feat in this age." n Connecticut's brand-new mall By Ben Johnson A boost for Norwalk Shopping centers such as this can service multiple generations, which is no insignificant feat in this age" " S I T E S & C I T I E S