Pinnacle Hills Promenade

[vbfl85]

Apple representative were quoted in this weeks paper by saying an Apple Store isn't in the near future of NWA.

As reliable as the source would seem, they can quickly change their tune. In my hometown a starbucks spokesperson was quoted as saying that starbucks had no plans in the near future to locate there... that was in may. Today we have 2.

[masons_dad1]

I am just wondering when they are going to announce all the new tenants. There better be some great tenants coming because so far I'm disappointed. We still are pulling for Cheesecake Factory, Apple, JCrew, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Urban Outiftters???. We shall see soon enough I guess. I want to know what the Barber group has in store for us. I'll be anxious to find out.

I'm happy with the stores that are among my favorites: Malco, Sharper Image, The Discovery Channel Store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Melody's Choices, Brookstone, The Body Shop and, of course, Orange Julius! What I'm dissappointed with is the developer's decision to make this a "typical" open-air shopping center instead of the "lifestyle" center it was supposed to be. Gone is the "Great Lawn" where people could stop and have a picnic and the food court was supposed to be an "outdoor living room" that is really nothing more than a "small porch". And finally, my son loves play structures and the fact that the play area at the Promenade is, supposedly, smaller than NWA Mall's that pretty much does it for me. I was hoping for a destination and what we got is a better than average shopping mall.

[ronnyp]

I just came back from the Promenade earlier. My opinions on the place. Overall it is a nice place but I still prefer the glassy modern look of the Shoppes at Pinnacle Hills over the "towney" feel of the Promenade. When they open up the streets to the cars, I think it wont look as good anymore.

I think that its more of a open air shopping center than a "lifestyle center" due to the fact that most of the currently opened stores are just clothes retailers and they are no store that promote "lifestyle" such as Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, or Pier 1 Imports.

I agree with the previous comment that the current tenants are kind of disappointing and maybe might have worked better at NWA Mall than actually opening up a whole new shopping center. I know some stores are a first for the area but still they could have been a little bit bigger. Many of the stores are kinda of small in my opinion. New York & Company and Banana Republic are much smaller or at least feel smaller than the ones at NWA. Hollister was small compared to other Hollister's I have been to. The Sharper Image store was nice but I have to wonder how long it will last considering that the whole time i was in there (40 minutes perusing the gadgets) I did not see a single sale being rung up and my friend who had been there yesterday said the same thing when she was there.

I just dont see this as a destination place as much as I would like it to be. I would rather go to NWA due just to the fact its covered from the elements (heated durign the winter and aircon in the summer). I went to see all sides of the Promenade and took me less than 2 hours and that includes a fair bit of buying. This aint the Galleria Dallas and I could not imagine a person spending a whole day here considering the amount of stores and restaurants open (now im not saying you could spend a whole day at NWA either) unless you include eating at one of the restaurants at the Shoppes.

This just my opinion of course. Im not bashing the Promenade because I did think it was nice. But the current tenant list is just not distinct enough for me to drive to Rogers to come here other than to eat the restaurants.

[Julles]

I'm happy with the stores that are among my favorites: Malco, Sharper Image, The Discovery Channel Store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Melody's Choices, Brookstone, The Body Shop and, of course, Orange Julius! What I'm dissappointed with is the developer's decision to make this a "typical" open-air shopping center instead of the "lifestyle" center it was supposed to be. Gone is the "Great Lawn" where people could stop and have a picnic and the food court was supposed to be an "outdoor living room" that is really nothing more than a "small porch". And finally, my son loves play structures and the fact that the play area at the Promenade is, supposedly, smaller than NWA Mall's that pretty much does it for me. I was hoping for a destination and what we got is a better than average shopping mall.

Upon visiting again tonight, it may be that the play area is the same size as the NWA mall, or close to it. However, there is no "tree", and I don't think the play structures offered are as interesting at the Promenade. I'd like to hear your opinion on it, when you get a chance to visit, Masonsdad.

[edensfall]

I think the promenade kicks ass, sure everything has its down sides, but whats better, promenade, or no promenade? As far as the nwa mall, for as long as its been here its still kickin and looks great, sure i know im 18 and young, but on those nice nights when theres a little breeze, id love to take my girlfriend shopping and out to eat at one of the restaurants, and catch a quick light show underneath the stars. I think thats appealing to most people, or maybe its just me, I just want to see the pinnacle area 5 years from now. We might be surprised.

[Mith242]

I haven't been yet, hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend. But it does seem to me that opening the center of it for traffic is a mistake. As far as the open air aspect of it, that just seems to be the current trend. No one seems to build inclosed malls anymore. The one in Jonesboro that opened a little while back is the only one built in the US this year.

[KJW]

I haven't been yet, hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend. But it does seem to me that opening the center of it for traffic is a mistake. As far as the open air aspect of it, that just seems to be the current trend. No one seems to build inclosed malls anymore. The one in Jonesboro that opened a little while back is the only one built in the US this year.

Mith, if you get a moment, google "(the) Mall of Georgia"...that's the best combination of open air shopping and indoor mall I've yet seen, and what I was hoping this would be not that I'm complaining about what the Promenade is.

BTW, I like the blue lighting on that funny looking extended pyramid tower on the roof of one of the buildings.

[Julles]

I think the promenade kicks ass, sure everything has its down sides, but whats better, promenade, or no promenade? As far as the nwa mall, for as long as its been here its still kickin and looks great, sure i know im 18 and young, but on those nice nights when theres a little breeze, id love to take my girlfriend shopping and out to eat at one of the restaurants, and catch a quick light show underneath the stars. I think thats appealing to most people, or maybe its just me, I just want to see the pinnacle area 5 years from now. We might be surprised.

This 38-year-old agrees with you, edensfall. We had a great time last night. I know the "new" will eventually wear off, but the bottom line is there's a fun atmosphere, and you can always catch a good bite to eat at PF Changs or one of the other sit-downs, head over to Borders for a while, catch movie in a cool-looking cinema, get an ice-cream cone, and stroll along a pretty street with music serenading you. That's always going to be fun.

[masons_dad1]

Upon visiting again tonight, it may be that the play area is the same size as the NWA mall, or close to it. However, there is no "tree", and I don't think the play structures offered are as interesting at the Promenade. I'd like to hear your opinion on it, when you get a chance to visit, Masonsdad.

I stopped by while running errands today and I will confirm this... Pinnacle Hills Promenade is a mall. It's a nice mall at that, although it's still not complete. I was even more dissappointed that not only is the "Great Lawn" gone but there is hardly any landscaping at all, other than little patches of grass and some decorative trees. The parking lot is a planning disaster and will easily become a madhouse on a busy day. As for the food court, I like "The Picnic" at NWA Mall better and it has more of an outdoor atmosphere; not to mention a mich better food selection. The play area is even worse than you described it. It is about half the size of NWA Mall's play area and what's with that ugly black metal fence around it? It looks more like a cage.

Mith asked for a comparison between the Pinnacle Promenade and Branson Landing. All I can say is the Promenade is no Branson Landing. The Promenade makes a nice shopping and dining center, but it's not someplace I'd want to spend more than a couple hours at; unless I'm gonna catch a movie. My family had a great time at Branson Landing and we'll more than likely have a great time at Pinnacle Promenade; by living in NWA we're used to making anything we do a great time no matter where it is.

Take it any way you want, but that's the most honest and unbiased opinion I can come up with. Yes, the Promenade is better than no Promenade and that actually sums it up best.

[jpemb]

Yes it is a good source of info. I'm just curious though how people seem to be finding it. So many guests seem to be on this topic on a regular basis. Seems like there must be some easy method that people are finding it. Just wish I knew what it was so we could try to use this for other topics as well.

I finally found one method. If I do a search on Pinnacle Hills Promenade and Pleasant Crossing it's the top choice. But I wouldn't think many people would type in Pleasant Crossing. All the other options I used for Pinnacle Hills Promenade didn't turn up anything for here.

I found it by searching for mall rogers ar, then going to the blog on nwaonline--someone replied to a post with a link here.

[mcheiss]

I found it by searching for mall rogers ar, then going to the blog on nwaonline--someone replied to a post with a link here.

Really? Someone posted a link there. I guess we are making our way around the internet. Welcome to the forum jpemb!!

Also, I went to the mall tonight. I was extremly impressed with the mall at night. The stores looked beautiful with the lighting, really reminded me of my trip to Los Angeles when I went into the fashion district. I was a bit dissapointed with the LED Light, I was expecting something like an aurora borealis light tower. Also, I agree about the streets, they don't make the area very pedestrian friendly. I would have much rather seen this space used for greenspace, but it still looks nice. The Food Court is also poorely placed near the end, with only 4 fast food spaces. They need to get the other two spaces filled. Overall, I give the mall a 9.5 out of 10. It's definately my new favorite place in Northwest Arkansas. I will have pics by Tommorow or Sunday.

EDIT: I also ate at PF Changs tonight. I highly recommend it. The food was amazing, along with great service and quick seating. The restaurant was packed as well.

[AshJs3]

Mith asked for a comparison between the Pinnacle Promenade and Branson Landing. All I can say is the Promenade is no Branson Landing. The Promenade makes a nice shopping and dining center, but it's not someplace I'd want to spend more than a couple hours at; unless I'm gonna catch a movie. My family had a great time at Branson Landing and we'll more than likely have a great time at Pinnacle Promenade; by living in NWA we're used to making anything we do a great time no matter where it is.

Really? I thought the Branson Landing was nice, but nothing special. I like the Promenade and I'm sure it will just get better with age. I prefer clothing and beauty stores though so I can see where some people might not like it. I'm just happy to have another place to shop. I with shop in both Fayetteville and Rogers. The more the merrier if you ask me!

[masons_dad1]

Really? I thought the Branson Landing was nice, but nothing special. I like the Promenade and I'm sure it will just get better with age. I prefer clothing and beauty stores though so I can see where some people might not like it. I'm just happy to have another place to shop. I with shop in both Fayetteville and Rogers. The more the merrier if you ask me!

Branson Landing was lacking in it's selection of stores, but being a family guy I'm all about a mall having stuff for the kids to do. Branson Landing has a very nice play area with a pirate theme and plenty of benches next to it for the parents to rest while the kids play. Pinnacle Promenade doesn't. BL also has a Dsiney Store. Branson Landing's fountain and pyrotechnics show blows away the Pinnacle Promenade led tower and fountains. The shuttles at Branson Landing are a welcome sight after a few hours of walking around, which the Promenade doesn't have. As I've stated before I'm happy with the selection of stores at the Promenade, but it pretty much ends there. Really, the only thing the Promenade has that Branson Landing doesn't is the Malco.

Also, I wasn't to keen about the color and texture of the Promenade buildings. They seemed washed out. It could've used some darker earth tones like Branson Landing.

[mcheiss]

Also, I wasn't to keen about the color and texture of the Promenade buildings. They seemed washed out. It could've used some darker earth tones like Branson Landing.

Try going at night, you'll enjoy it much better. The lighting on the white buildings looks very Californian like, IMO.

[RAK]

According to a General Growth's press release as seen on Morningstar, Vanity, which I mentioned seeing already, and Go! the Game Store, are among the Promenade's stores. Checking Go!'s website, they have it listed for here and it is the only Go! store in Arkansas.

[mcheiss]

Heads up to everyone. Pinnacle Security is tracking down all photographers at the mall. Anyone caught doing so is subject to being escorted off the property. Today, I asked a security guard if it was OK to take pictures. He said it was OK as long as I didn't sell them. 30 Pictures later, another security guard comes up to me and tells me I can't take pictures. I tell him I've gotten permission from security. In all, I was told to put my camera in my car and was escorted off the property. But, I did manage to keep all of my pictures, or what little of them, about the Promenade.

[RAK]

That's not uncommon at some upscale malls. At Woodfield in Schaumburg, IL, I know that for many years they would not permit camera shots --- especially for Japanese businessmen at one time.

[mcheiss]

That's not uncommon at some upscale malls. At Woodfield in Schaumburg, IL, I know that for many years they would not permit camera shots --- especially for Japanese businessmen at one time.

I don't think it's allowed at any mall, for trademark reasons. I still wanted to see how far I could get. I'll still post the pictures, they can't do anything about that.

[Mith242]

Heads up to everyone. Pinnacle Security is tracking down all photographers at the mall. Anyone caught doing so is subject to being escorted off the property. Today, I asked a security guard if it was OK to take pictures. He said it was OK as long as I didn't sell them. 30 Pictures later, another security guard comes up to me and tells me I can't take pictures. I tell him I've gotten permission from security. In all, I was told to put my camera in my car and that if I did it again, I could be kicked off or loose my camera. But, I did manage to keep all of my pictures, or what little of them, about the Promenade.

Crap, I didn't think about that. Well that sucks. Guess I'll just rely on yours then. I wonder what would happen if I went early before any of the stores were open.....You know say early Sunday since they don't open till noon. Although there's probably still security there. I guess you'd have to officially get permission from someone but I don't know how likely that would happen.

I don't think it's allowed at any mall, for trademark reasons. I still wanted to see how far I could get. I'll still post the pictures, they can't do anything about that.

It's not like you're going to be doing anything to hurt them. Heck in a sense you're giving them some free advertising. I mean come on look at the number of hits on this topic. If you could ever find the right person to talk to surely they could see the advantage of that.

[mcheiss]

Crap, I didn't think about that. Well that sucks. Guess I'll just rely on yours then. I wonder what would happen if I went early before any of the stores were open.....You know say early Sunday since they don't open till noon. Although there's probably still security there. I guess you'd have to officially get permission from someone but I don't know how likely that would happen.

It's not like you're going to be doing anything to hurt them. Heck in a sense you're giving them some free advertising. I mean come on look at the number of hits on this topic. If you could ever find the right person to talk to surely they could see the advantage of that.

Try speaking with a manager. He said it was management that told him, after I argued with him that a security guard told me it was OK. Go ahead and try taking pics Mith. They'll only give you a warning at first, or try going to the security booth and demand to speak with an upper level manager. Explain to him that you represent a development website that posts material about community development and have no intentions to sell any pictures. I even told the guy that it was basically free advertisement, but he was just doing his job.

Also, you can try taking pictures from the street intersections. Go to the intersection off Perry and Bellview, you can take some pretty sweet pics. I told the security guard he couldn't do anything if I was off their property and taking pics. He said they could, but technically all he can do is report it to his supervisor, since I'm not on their property.

Anyway, the pictures aren't the greatest, but I'll post them in time.

[Mith242]

Yeah if you aren't on their property I can't see them doing anything. If that were the case you couldn't take pictures of anything that was private property ever. I might test my zoom and try taking some pics off their property if I can't take any pics actually on their grounds. Either way I'm looking forward to seeing your pics.

[mcheiss]

I've filed a complaint (Probably the First ) at the mall. I'm suppose to talk to the general manager about this issue.

[das450]

What type of complaint ?

It is private property and I know Simon Malls (Woodland Hills in Tulsa) do not allow pictures either.

Just curious on the basis of your complaint ?

I've filed a complaint (Probably the First ) at the mall. I'm suppose to talk to the general manager about this issue.

[itk]

For people who have visted the Promenade: How was the traffic?

I have read and heard that it wasn't nearly as bad as was expected. I heard from people who have visited there that it wasn't nearly as bad as they expected. I heard the only bad spot was the New Hope/540 interchange.

Where were the 90,000 cars?

Seriously, though. I'm up in NWA this weekend, and drove by there Friday around 5pm. It didn't look bad whatsoever. I was surprised. No back-ups on 540 even. I drove by the Joyce/College intersection in Fayetteville (thinking that maybe traffic wouldn't be as bad)-- it was as horrible as always. Surprised again.

I wonder if some people are avoiding the Promenade? Maybe its impact on the NWA Mall will be modest, at best.

[masons_dad1]

For people who have visted the Promenade: How was the traffic?

I have read and heard that it wasn't nearly as bad as was expected. I heard from people who have visited there that it wasn't nearly as bad as they expected. I heard the only bad spot was the New Hope/540 interchange.

Where were the 90,000 cars?

Seriously, though. I'm up in NWA this weekend, and drove by there Friday around 5pm. It didn't look bad whatsoever. I was surprised. No back-ups on 540 even. I drove by the Joyce/College intersection in Fayetteville (thinking that maybe traffic wouldn't be as bad)-- it was as horrible as always. Surprised again.

I wonder if some people are avoiding the Promenade? Maybe its impact on the NWA Mall will be modest, at best.

It won't take long for the newness to wear off. Most people I saw there seemed more curious about the mall than actually excited. It'll have an impact on NWA Mall around Christmas time and when they start running sales ads, but NWA Mall is in a unique position: They already know what the Promenade has to offer and Macerich can easily pull it's Trump card and bring in Macy's and some very upscale tenants. A little remodelling wouldn't hurt either.