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The Trend Towards Open-air Shopping Centers


pineda

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i wondered if the texas summer heat would affect the attractiveness of these developments to consumers. when the woodlands announced that it would be adding an open air lifestyle center to the woodlands mall, and the market street plans came online, i had some doubts. apparently, it has made no difference. i was truly surprised how people lingered in these public spaces regardless of the heat and humidity. i read recently that stores in market street and the lifestyle addition to the mall are in the top percentile of their respective chains.

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i wondered if the texas summer heat would affect the attractiveness of these developments to consumers. when the woodlands announced that it would be adding an open air lifestyle center to the woodlands mall, and the market street plans came online, i had some doubts. apparently, it has made no difference. i was truly surprised how people lingered in these public spaces regardless of the heat and humidity. i read recently that stores in market street and the lifestyle addition to the mall are in the top percentile of their respective chains.

Well, I personally love this way to shop. Park, walk straight to the store you want, shop and leave. I loved Town and Country Village, HIghland Village and the little shopping area at Voss and San Felipe. Parking right in front of a Gap Kids has it perks.

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you could say that sevfiv, but market street and the woodlands' lifestyle center have offices (dental, PR, accounting firms, etc.) on the upper floors, along with parks, fountains, entertainment, public works of art and activities (jazz series, living sculptures, children's reading events, festivals, etc.) and lots of outdoor seating for restaurants and those who linger.

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you could say that sevfiv, but market street and the woodlands' lifestyle center have offices (dental, PR, accounting firms, etc.) on the upper floors, along with parks, fountains, entertainment, public works of art and activities (jazz series, living sculptures, children's reading events, festivals, etc.) and lots of outdoor seating for restaurants and those who linger.

There is a definite distinction that needs to be made when we talk about the "lifestyle centers". Gulfgate, Meyerland etc. are more like fancy strip malls whereas Woodlands Market is made for lingering, strolling, etc. Car oriented vs. pedestrian oriented.

The Woodlands model would be nice to see more of in the big city, such as the Pavillions.

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you could say that sevfiv, but market street and the woodlands' lifestyle center have offices (dental, PR, accounting firms, etc.) on the upper floors, along with parks, fountains, entertainment, public works of art and activities (jazz series, living sculptures, children's reading events, festivals, etc.) and lots of outdoor seating for restaurants and those who linger.
There is a definite distinction that needs to be made when we talk about the "lifestyle centers". Gulfgate, Meyerland etc. are more like fancy strip malls whereas Woodlands Market is made for lingering, strolling, etc. Car oriented vs. pedestrian oriented.

The Woodlands model would be nice to see more of in the big city, such as the Pavillions.

ah i see...thanks for the distinctions...and i agree, it would be nice to see more pedestrian-oriented places closer in...

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Comparing Meyerland to the Market Street center in the Woodlands, it's easy to see one major distinction between the two right off the bat. Market Street does a better job of hiding all the cars, all the concrete. There is very limited on-street parking, most people park at the H-E-B or in the parking garage. There's not a sea of concrete with autos baking in the sun. It's definitely more pedestrian-friendly at Market Street, very much like the Westbury Square in the 70's, nice to see that idea coming back into fashion.

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