Placemaking actively shapes and transforms built environments into vibrant and meaningful spaces. It goes beyond urban design or architecture, and focuses on creating places that foster a sense of community, identity, and belonging — recognizing that spaces should be inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the people who inhabit them.
At Regency, we believe the perfect retail shopping environments are a physical reflection of what makes the surrounding areas unique, while providing optimal walkability and access. We collaborate with local artists and designers to create centers that are perfect for shopping, dining, and gathering.
From California to Virginia, our latest placemaking efforts are a testament to how our centers are uniquely connected to the people and communities that surround them.
The courtyard at Regency’s Silverado Plaza in Napa, California, was reinvigorated with all-new FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), hardscape and rocks, irrigation, and lots of plant material — plus, some very excited merchants once the project was completed.
Bryanna Fox worked with local landscape and horticultural design firm, Foliate, to deliver on an amazing vision for the Silverado Plaza courtyard area, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” said Gary Fields, Vice President, Property Operations. “The incredibly positive feedback we’ve heard from merchants and customers alike is just the cherry on top. Congrats to the team on these much-needed enhancements to a popular community gathering place.
Regency’s The Crossing Clarendon recently got a face-lift in the form of a new central green space. Known as The Loop, the park’s name alludes to the quarter-mile piece of roadway that loops around the plaza and through the shopping center. It features walkways, new turf and landscaping, and an enclosed play area for children, as well as Adirondack chairs and lawn games.
The Loop is a fresh look at how the community interacts with the center,” said Andrew Kabat, Senior Vice President, Senior Market Officer. “The amenities, design, and layout were intentionally and considerately implemented to highlight what a unique location this is within the corridor, and a place for neighbors, shoppers, and friends to gather for a long time.
A captivating new mural is taking shape at Regency's Cherry Grove in Cincinnati, Ohio. Paying homage to the center’s roots, the mural features three native birds Cardinal, Robin, and Blue Jay — perched on a Cherry Blossom branch. The diversity of breeds represents Cherry Grove’s diverse community, with the tree serving as a place for them to gather. The Cardinal, the state bird of Ohio, is offering out a Cherry Blossom to the other birds, further emphasizing the idea of a welcoming community.
Nate Frizzell, the artist behind the vision, is currently working on the mural, which is slated for completion by the end of August. Additional planned enhancements to the shopping center include new landscaping and interactive murals where the public can pose for photos.
Placemaking stands as a powerful approach to community development that goes beyond creating functional spaces. Through thoughtful design, activation of public spaces, and integration of art, nature, and amenities, placemaking plays a vital role in creating livable, sustainable, and thriving communities.
To learn more about Regency’s placemaking efforts and Fresh Look® philosophy, click here.