Saturday, November 22, 2008

Mall's Giant Leap!

Cherry Hill Township Mayor Bernie Platt and PREIT's Joe Coradino break through a Linkceremonial banner while riding in a Bentley at Cherry Hill Mall's Parking Deck Opening. Friday, November 21, 2008.

What a grand day it was yesterday at the beautiful "new" Cherry Hill Mall as Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust's Joe Coradino and Cherry Hill Mayor Bernie Platt road in an open luxury convertible to officially open the Mall's new parking deck as uniformed parking attendants stood by. Just behind the deck in the dramatic new Nordstrom store set to open on March 29. Of course the parking facility connects directly with Nordstrom and into the new Mall addition now taking shape. Next to the parking one can see the beginnings of the new free-standing Capital Grille restaurant which will open at the Mall.
The three-level parking deck is two acres of covered parking with state-of-art security cameras, bright lighting throughout, emergency panels, and a Precision Parking System – installed in 2009 – featuring LED signs displaying the number of available parking spaces at each level. When the new Nordstrom opens, guests will be able to gain access directly into the department store and new retail wing from the parking facility without battling weather conditions.
The parking deck is part of a $200 million redevelopment that includes not just the new Nordstrom but up to seven new fine dining restaurants, an upscale retail wing, a redesigned and relocated food court and extensive interior and exterior renovations.
A luxury car showcase, sponsored by FC Kerbeck and Sons at the entrance to the parking deck featured the following brands--Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Roll Royce and Maserati. The Cherry Hill Mall Parking Garage Band performed jazz music in the facility throughout the afternoon.
Among the restaurants that will open soon are California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), Maggiano's Little Italy, Season's 52 and The Capitale Grill.
I've been over the the Mall several times during this growth period and I marvel at the progress that has been made. The continuing transformation is astonishing considering that the Mall has been open during the entire expansion.
Get over the Mall this holiday season and take a look at all of the new and exciting changes. Delight in the fresh, bright, spacious, airy atmosphere that's being created at the region's foremost fashion destination.
And imagine: This is only the beginning!


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