Projects

Commercial Case Studies

Cherry Hill Mall Redevelopment
Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Torcon was construction manager for the expansion and upgrades to Cherry Hill Mall, one of the oldest regional malls in the eastern United States.

The mall is owned by Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT). JPRA was the project architect. The $110,000,000 project's breadth and scope were all encompassing, with major upgrades to parking areas and roadways, site utilities, and landscaping; extensive renovations to the Mall retail areas; a new parking deck; a new anchor store; and new general leasing area. PREIT's vision for the project was to take the mall to the next level in terms of its design, materials and finishes. The redevelopment focused on upscale tenants by providing a dynamic design and physical plan that offered better functionality and usability for both tenants and shoppers.

Construction began in January 2007 and was completed in spring of 2009, with the work managed through a series of inter-connected phases. In addition to extensive site upgrades, the project included the demolition of an existing anchor store (Strawbridge & Clothier) and construction of a building pad for a 140,000 sq. ft. Nordstrom. Two early project milestones were Crate and Barrel and The Container Store, at 34,000 sq. ft. and 24,500 sq. ft., built on outparcel locations. The projects were fast-tracked to ensure opening in time for holiday shopping in 2007.

All existing common areas of the Mall were renovated and a new two level, 65,000 sq. ft. promenade was added, linking the existing mall and the new Nordstrom location. Additionally, new food court was added on the north east side of the existing mall, to accommodate relocated food pavilions. The project also added a new Bistro Row with five specialty restaurants on the south and west side of the mall, to create a new "Main Street" exterior along State Highway 38. New additions included Capital Grill, Seasons 52, California Pizza Kitchen and Maggiano's and an Urban Outfitters clothing store. Torcon Management Services (TMS) was contracted separately by PREIT to manage the core and shell construction of the specialty restaurants. A fast-track, expedited approach was required due to contractual commitments created by leases signed while the mall construction was well underway.

A 400-car parking structure was also added as part of the project.

The work embodied many challenges, with most related to the need to maintain uninterrupted mall operations throughout all phases of the project.