Since its opening in 1955, Knollwood Mall has undergone a number of changes but none as extensive as the make-over completed by Graycor. Rouse Properties’ plan to redevelop the mall included construction of a new 12,000-square-foot outparcel building to relocate Panera Bread from the main mall and to house two other tenants.

Additionally, the redevelopment project included work to the main mall building, which involved complete demolition of the common areas, including backfilling the basement with approximately 20,000 cubic yards of spoil material, and construction of a new outward facing power center. Scope of the site work consisted of demolition, earthwork, utilities, retaining wall, landscaping and irrigation. The property now offers more parking, better pedestrian routes, landscaping, improved lighting, outdoor seating and art.

The project was not without challenges—some of which are typically encountered on shopping center renovation projects and others were unforeseen. The seasned Graycor team employed its extensive experience working in live retail environments and its technical construction experience, along with careful planning, execution and communication with all project stakeholders.