Road to the MAXIs: Part 2
Last week we looked at the new U.S. Shopping Center MAXI Awards, and a few of the finalists that we’ve covered in the past. This week, let’s take a look at a couple finalists we haven’t discussed before.
In Category Integration, you’ll find Galleria at Sunset a finalist for the library branch found within its walls. Galleria at Sunset certainly isn’t the only mall to have picked up a library branch in recent years, but it’s done a particularly good job. Not only did it essentially give the library a free location for its first eight months (and apparently very reasonable lease terms going forward), but it worked hard to integrate the branch. Free wi-fi, extra courtyard seating, and a grand-opening ceremony were some of the perks Henderson Library found when it moved in.
Tyson’s Corner Center found a similarly positive solution for vacant space, earning a spot as a finalist in Cause Related Marketing. Stuck with a deserted movie theater (possibly the worst vacancy to fill) that was gathering dust for years, the shopping center carefully considered the needs of the local community. As a result, it opened Tysons Bullpen, where local high school baseball teams can practice. The high ceilings and an elevated floor perfectly accommodate 3 mesh-enclosed pitching and batting tunnels.
