24 replies to this topic

[kayman]

bhamsly, on Jun 14 2007, 03:00 PM, said:

How many stores does this center supposed to have...10-15? It can't be that any, however, I have never been there.

There are approximately 30 storefronts in the building.

Birmingham Bound, on Jun 14 2007, 03:22 PM, said:

I hadn't realize the Promenade was declining. I have been inside there for years. This seems like it could turned into a great opportunity for Belk and/or Harbert Realty...  They could possibly make the plaza more of a shopping destination by reorienting the shops toward the street and creating a flagship-like Belk store. The area is in prime position to benefit from the new downtown residents as well as the guests that will come with the opening of the hotels that are planned nearby.

Yeah, it would be an excellent opportunity considering the population of Downtown these days.  I doubt they would invert the storefronts though, it would be view by Harbert Realty as way too costly unless the city offers major incentives.  The downtown area could really use some more speciality shops that you would typically find in a suburban mall.

[bhamsly]

I agree that suburban mall type stores would be awesome. I can see something like Aeropostale, American Eagle, Hollister Co., Gap, Express, or Pacific Sunwear(Pac Sun) having stores there. Those are stores that are not very upscale, however, the people living downtown maybe be able to support some stores that are a little more upscale like J. Crew, Talbots, Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic...not sure. I know one thing is for sure, UAB is not that far at all and neither is Birmingham-Southern. All they need to do is inform students that this center exists, because I know I would want to drive all the way to The Pinnacle(Trussville), the Galleria, Brookwood Village, The Summit, or even Watermark Place to get some nice clothes from my favorite stores. It would be an excellent addition. I think a nice mixture of chain stores and maybe a few boutiques would work. Also luring some restaurants to the food court would be a must. With the Amsouth-Harbert Promenade getting itself back into shape, there may soon be 2 small, downtown malls(the other being the proposed mall in the Pizitz building). If you build it and they will come...with good advertisement.

[mallguy]

Downtown Belk (former Parisian) closed?

Just like the upcoming closing of the downtown Charlotte Belk- nobody knew much about the store and nobody really cared?

Sad, as I recall seeing the store in the mid-90s and thought how nice it was to have a Parisian right downtown.

[kayman]

mallguy, on Jan 21 2009, 05:03 PM, said:

Downtown Belk (former Parisian) closed?

Just like the upcoming closing of the downtown Charlotte Belk- nobody knew much about the store and nobody really cared?

Sad, as I recall seeing the store in the mid-90s and thought how nice it was to have a Parisian right downtown.

Well considering the retail environment in general, I'm honestly not surprised that Belk didn't close this store immediately upon converting it from Parisian to Belk.  There are plans to fill the upper level of the space with a sit-down restaurant.  However, the long-term plans for the rest of the space is still in limbo.

[| BRAVO |]

Belk was/is disgusting.  Downtown needs something more trendy that appeals more to urban dwellers.  Maybe something like Gus Mayer.