Hampden Happenings
November 2006
Hekemian Official Updates Community On Progress At The Rotunda
By Chris Bell
Since our last presentation to the Hampden Community Council in the spring, Hekemian would like to update you on the progress that has occurred on the Rotunda redevelopment project.
The project completed the schematic design phase in July, and there have been no substantial changes in the plan or development program since our previous presentation. Plans are currently under review for preliminary cost estimates and we have begun the process of selecting a general contractor.
At the International Conference of Shopping Centers Spring Convention in May in Las Vegas, prospective retail tenants displayed substantial interest in the Rotunda. In addition to the Giant, principal tenants we are in negotiation with include a two-story bookstore with a major fitness club.
To address HCC concerns that the original traffic study was conducted while a portion of Falls Road was closed, we have asked our traffic consultant to reevaluate the predicted traffic impact of the redeveloped site on the surrounding areas. On the suggestion of the city, we addressed these concerns by utilizing traffic counts for 2005, before Falls Road was closed, and have provided revised traffic analysis to the HCC Zoning Committee for their review. While this additional traffic chiefly affects the Falls Road and 41st Street intersection continue at very low levels of projected congestion.
The next phase of the project, following the completion of the cost estimates, will be to begin final planning and architectural designs that we anticipate returning to you for review after the first of the year. In the meantime, you can continue to look at the website www.grandrotunda.com for updated information and drawings.
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