Commercial Appeal
By: Thomas Bailey Jr.
One of the Memphis area’s most upscale shopping centers is about to undergo another $1 million worth of improvements.
The Texas-based owner of Saddle Creek this week filed for a construction permit valued at $1,059,399 to upgrade the north side of the 168,000 center.
The work is designed, in part, to make Saddle Creek North, on the northeast corner of Poplar and Farmington, look more like Saddle Creek South, on the southwest corner of Poplar and West, according to a release by Trademark Property Co. of Fort Worth.
The renovation includes remodeled facades, new signs, landscaping and lighting, and improvements to plazas. The work is scheduled to be completed this year.
“There is no other retail property in the Memphis area like Saddle Creek, and to remain an iconic property it’s important to evolve,” Terry Montesi, chief executive officer of Trademark Property, said in prepared remarks.
“The redevelopment efforts offer the additional space and upgraded amenities necessary for the shopping center to remain the dominant lifestyle destination for tenants and customers alike,” he said. “We’re focusing our leasing efforts on filling the added 25,000 square feet of space with key tenants – like Soft Surroundings, Michael Kors, Kendra Scott, and others – who fit the distinct, upscale mix at Saddle Creek.”
The redevelopment follows what Trademark calls its “Conscious Place” initiative. The approach strives to make its shopping centers more than just places for commerce, but also places for “community and meaning,” company officials said.
The “Conscious Place” design includes installation of bike racks, improved landscaping, and outdoor seating areas.
The first phase of Saddle Creek’s redevelopment included renovation and expansion on south side. A two-story building there was razed to create space for 20,000 square feet of new retail and restaurants.
The second phase included adding about 5,000 square feet of retail space and additional parking at Saddle Creek North. That work was finished late last year.
The 29-year-old shopping center houses more than 40 fashion and specialty retailers. They include Anthropologie, Apple, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Chico’s, Free People, J. Crew and Madewell.