Legacy Place wins top prize at U.S. Design and Development Awards

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) awarded Legacy Place a Gold Medal for Innovative Design and Development of a New Project and a Silver Medal for Sustainability at the 2010 U.S. Design and Development Awards. Architect Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA Inc.) and developer WS Development accepted the honors at ICSC's national retailing conference in Phoenix on December 2. Having earned the organization's top U.S. prize, the team becomes eligible for the ICSC global "best of the best" competition this spring. Now in its 33rd year, the U.S. Design and Development Awards Program recognizes premier shopping center and retail achievements in the U.S. A multi-disciplinary jury pulled from across the country evaluates projects based on design innovation, market success and community impact, and sustainability/quality. Legacy Place has exceeded sales forecasts since opening in June 2008. The 675,000 s/f lifestyle center transformed an under-used blacktop along Rte. 1 in Dedham into a day-evening destination featuring 80 local and national retailers, eight restaurants, and a Showcase Cinema de Luxe, all framed around two pedestrian-friendly, town-like squares. "Legacy Place is a testament to the power of placemaking and an inspired team committed to creating this vibrant community place," said Wendy Prellwitz, a principal at PCA and the project's design director. "We are thrilled to share this award with WS Development, their joint venture partner, National Amusements, and to the terrific retailers that have helped make Legacy Place such a hit." Legacy Place shopping center is anchored by Whole Foods Market, L.L.Bean, Showcase Cinema de Lux, Borders, and Kings. Opened August 2009, Legacy Place is a joint venture of National Amusements and WS Development. Prellwitz Chilinski Associates is a Cambridge-based architectural firm of 30 people who enjoy putting design into action on behalf of clients. Since 1982, PCA has championed a progressive, practical approach to retail architecture. From shopping plazas that compliment thriving towns to 24/7 lifestyle centers, PCA projects benefit communities while generating success for its clients. Based in Chestnut Hill, WS Development has been a leader in the acquisition, development, management and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties. Its diverse portfolio consists of more than 80 properties totaling over 17 million s/f of retail space.