To breathe new life to this once-bustling retail district, our design team created an Open Space Activation Plan focused on cultivating year-round experiences that utilize the entire 34-acre multi-use development. The project converts 3.75 acres of previously underutilized outdoor spaces into new cafes, pop-up retail, try-and-buy outdoor experiences, playgrounds, dog parks and performance areas. The new plan engages visitors and increases the amount of activated outdoor public space by 775%.

Updated bike trails attract cyclists from the nearby Three Rivers Heritage Trail, while hammock lounges and casual seating areas encourage visitors and pedestrians to relax and enjoy the environment. The project’s center piece—a revitalized urban square—is anchored by a public stage with amphitheater seating, designed to accommodate container cafes, food and beverage kiosks, and public art installations. AE7 collaborated with local retailers to develop a plan that would draw in more visitors while supporting the existing community. Through thoughtful upcycling efforts, these improvements turn underutilized commercial space into activated public space, creating a flexible, inviting destination for the whole region.