New York Real Estate Journal

Turner Construction to renovate 123,235 s/f of interior space and add 105,000 s/f of restaurant space at Colonie Center

January 3, 2008 - Brokerage
As one of the oldest enclosed shopping centers in America, the two-story Colonie Center has been a mainstay in the region since its establishment in 1966, currently sustaining eight million visits per year. The evolution of shopping has resulted in a "survival of the hippest" philosophy, requiring malls to pro-actively reposition themselves. With 1.2 million s/f and a need to differentiate itself from a nearby regional mall and a trendy lifestyle center, Colonie wisely opted to build upon its base and capture a middle- and high-income clientele by becoming an upscale dining, entertainment and shopping destination. Turner Construction Company is bringing the transformation to life by renovating 123,235 s/f of interior space and adding 105,000 s/f to accommodate high-end restaurants such as P.F. Chang's China Bistro as well as a third-floor theatre. Inside and out, the look will be warm and welcoming. Rich new amenities include a two-story fireplace, natural lighting, earth tone tiles and painted surfaces, and plush ensemble areas featuring leather chairs, lamps and plasma TVs. Re-architectured columns will enhance the line of vision. Other renovations include sprinkler upgrades and vertical transportation. In addition to creating a vibrant, affluent-lifestyle center look on a prominent exterior wall, Turner will perform site modifications, landscape enhancements and parking lot improvements. Colonie Center Mall's recreated identity will enable it not merely to survive, but thrive. Colonie Center's design (by spg3 Architects) was inspired by the surrounding architecture of the Adirondacks. Bronze and Alabaster custom lighting burnish the interiors, bringing to life imported Italian porcelain and glass mosaic tiles, while ashlar stone and granite banding on the exterior of the building further communicate the rustic character of the Adirondacks. An autumnal color palette was incorporated for the project and a new, all glass storefront creates an animated and welcoming front door for visitors.