Another example of developers capturing "the exchange value of place"

"Creating a Main Street" Simulation: This photo shows the proposed intersection of Walden Avenue and Galleria Mall Entrance, Cheektowga, New York. The proposed new pavement is concrete and proposed sidewalks have been added to this image. Source: NYDOT.

I've been involved in an "argument" on one of the New Urbanism e-lists about the role of independent retail in neighborhood commercial districts. My argument isn't necessarily against chains, but favors the development of programs to nurture independent retail for a variety of reasons, including maintaining uniqueness and a sense of place, building a local economy, and in response to retail attraction programs and subsidies that for the most part are oriented to national chains.

Something else I argue is why do cities cast off their advantages--unique commercial architecture that "speaks" of a particular time and place--in favor of suburban-styled sameness while smart real estate developers are remaking their shopping centers into faux-Main Streets because they recognize the value of faking place, even if there aren't providing much in the way of authenticity.

Here is but one more example of this, from the Buffalo News, "Galleria launches expansion."

The Buffalo area's largest shopping mall is about to take on a whole new character. The Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga is moving ahead on a long-awaited $50 million to $60 million renovation that includes two new buildings, the gutting of a section of the mall and a new five-story parking garage. When it is done, the mall will feature a "boulevard" feel with outside dining and valet parking.

The most stunning aspect of the plan may be the completely new exterior of the renovated section, part of which will be visible from the Thruway. Mall executives say it will look like a series of quaint but upscale store fronts with a "Main Street" atmosphere. On-street parking will be allowed to further the ambience of Main Street.

"It's there to give us that curbside street appeal," Walden Galleria general manager James L. Soos told the town's Environmental Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

Index Keywords: real-estate-development