Retail

Waterside District: A Comeback Story by Brennan Murray

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This month our project Waterside District in Norfolk, VA was featured in ICSC’s SCT Magazine as an example of “Restorative Retail” It’s an example of how we can use design, proper merchandising, and land-use policies to create vibrant destinations that flourish despite the ‘Amazon-age.’

The redevelopment of the Waterside Festival Marketplace by the Cordish Companies is a process that could be repeated in other waterfront markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and beyond. Originally developed by the Rouse Company in the 1980’s, the marketplace had fallen into disuse after several failed attempts to revitalize the center. The Cordish Companies acquired the building after a successful bid responding to an RFP by the City of Norfolk. Aside from the opportunity to control the building, the developer was successful in negotiating the use of the boardwalk and adjacent land for future development.

The Market, Food Hall Anchor

The Market, Food Hall Anchor

Many of the uses of the entertainment complex required a negotiation with the state alcoholic beverage commission to allow for the uninhibited consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises. BCT provided exhibits and renderings to indicate how control would be maintained differently than prescribed rules required. This resulted in the appearance of a freer atmosphere of social consumption throughout the development.

The entire project design was required to be vetted through the city’s Architecture Review Board process. The hearing includes the review of building design, signage, landscaping, streetscape, and historic concerns. BCT presented the redevelopment, including the demolition of a portion of the historic building, and was approved with applause. This comprehensive process has culminated in an almost fully leased development within two-years, going from a completely empty retail center to a fully-activated, unique, and iconic offering within the Hampton Roads region.

You can find the feature article link below:

Designing Experiences for Seniors by Brennan Murray

Our expertise in the retail and food + beverage industry is an asset to the of our senior communities.

Our expertise in the retail and food + beverage industry is an asset to the of our senior communities.

BCT understands that good design has a measurable impact on experiences. Places that are authentic, unique, beautiful, and comfortable, foster the best experiences. With 20+ plus years working in the senior housing arena, (and even more working with Boomers and placemaking) and a comprehensive knowledge of all care requirements, BCT plans and designs memorable multi-generational communities.

Designing the Waterfront! by Brennan Murray

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Our waterfront experience crosses the spectrum – from single-family custom-designed houses in Florida, to an exclusive resort on Kuta Bay in Bali, to waterfront redevelopment on Wardie Bay in Edinburgh, Scotland, and of course, the design of several waterfront mixed-use developments around our inner harbor in Baltimore. The diversity of projects, both in region and in magnitude, has given us the unique opportunity to provide developers with creative designs that are both distinctive and efficient functionally. We are not a “formula-driven” firm – rather, we strive to create designs that re-think and re-shape the old rules into innovative and bold works that are at the cutting edge of design. It is this perspective, that every project presents a fresh challenge – a new possibility – to re-shape the way we experience architecture, that is the foundation of our award-winning success.

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