Same architect, familiar stores planned for outlet mall

Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) sought familiarity after deciding to build an outlet-style mall in south Elk Grove.

The company used the same building architect and the same landscape architect who seven years ago designed the partially built Elk Grove Promenade mall site near Kammerer Road and Highway 99.

I think all of the design that we proposed in 2006 and 2007 is still applicable today, Emily Gossett, a senior project manager with Dallas-based Beck Architecture, said Oct. 8 during a tour of the facility. We want you to know that youre in Elk Grove, that youre not in any other place or any other outlet center.

During the projects 2007 groundbreaking ceremony on the property, officials declared that the regional mall would be opened by November 2008. But construction on the property came to a halt a few months later when General Growth Properties, developer for the proposed 1.1 million square-foot shopping mall, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Dallas-based HHC took over the Elk Grove site and several other properties from General Growth Properties during the latter companys bankruptcy.

Elk Grove City Council members on Oct. 8 voted 3-0 to approve a new development agreement with HHC, which plans to include about 100 stores including 12 dining options and a 14-screen movie theater complex.

One provision in the new agreement guarantees the mall would open within four years from the date of the signed agreement. Another provision calls for the mall to include at least 21 tenants from a list of stores frequently found at an outlet mall.

Stores on the list include Forever 21, GNC, Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio, and Perfumania, all of which are at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk in New Orleans that HHC opened in May.

The company wants to make the outlet mall pedestrian-friendly. Mark Putney, HHCs vice president of development, said during the tour that open spaces would be narrowed while the building faade for the buildings that will remain in place would be extended.

In addition, precast panels and steel from buildings to be demolished will be used elsewhere.

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Same architect, familiar stores planned for outlet mall