Springfield, MA The Springfield Plaza Shopping Center has received a facelift, in the form of a new façade, signage and lighting, designed to attract customers, increase sales at the stores and improve visibility and safety.
The renovation work was completed by Vantage Builders, Inc. The Waltham-based general contracting firm was hired by Albany Road Real Estate Partners and the Davenport Companies, which partnered to buy the plaza in April 2014.
“From the onset, we wanted to make improvements to the plaza, for both the retailers and the neighborhood,” said Bruce Nolen, managing director of asset and portfolio management at Albany Road. “The plaza had begun to look quite run down, which is unfortunate because it didn’t reflect the excitement and interest that the retailers have for the city and its people. We wanted to create a more vibrant and inviting place for everyone.”
Vantage began the project by removing the existing canopy over the storefronts, which had contributed significantly to the plaza’s dated look. An exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) was installed along the length of the façade, providing the walls with an insulated, water-resistant surface. At 1,200 linear feet, and averaging 20 feet high, the EIFS totals 24,000 s/f. A pre-cast base along the foundation helps protect the EIFS from damage.
The EIFS features carefully selected color coatings and each retail tenant received new signage that matches their particular corporate brand. The new façade benefits 20 stores, including well known businesses such as Rent-A-Center, Kmart, Savers, Payless ShoeSource, H&R Block and RadioShack.
“Davenport and Albany Road have a great vision for this plaza,” said John Connor, principal, Vantage Builders.
Form + Place was the architect for the project. Signage was provided by Poyant.