Our client asked DMA to direct the redevelopment strategy for a vacant Sears at a recently acquired regional shopping center. The project included numerous feasibility studies to advance tenant interest and launched alongside a mall renovation. DMA led two separate design teams and collaborated with the general contractor on both projects. When Hurricane Harvey interrupted progress on the Sears redevelopment, DMA helped minimize related impacts.

While the building itself sustained little to no hurricane damage, severe flooding in the local and regional community affected the timeline for completion for several months. DMA worked closely with the contractor and ownership group to mitigate costs associated with re-starting the project and to limit delays in tenant delivery and turnover.

The finished redesign dramatically transformed the building, re-using only the floor slab, structure and roof. To facilitate the new retail tenant line-up, the existing precast exterior was removed, a new loading dock area was created, and utility services were upgraded and reconfigured. The tenant presence in the former anchor store space includes a combination TJMaxx and HomeStore, Ulta Cosmetics, Ashley Furniture and Encore Shoes. This big box all-star line-up has reinvigorated the center, driving foot traffic and sales to new highs.