At last week’s Planning Board meeting, the members were asked to approve the latest in extreme makeovers at Alameda Towne Centre. This time the stone aggregate building that houses Mervyns would be the next in line, but it’s not Mervyns that will reap the benefit of the renovations, instead ATC will be filling that space in with a Kohl’s. Now, I’ve never been to a Kohl’s before, so I had to rely on the Wikipedia article and what I’ve seen on TV to understand what type of store it is. Appears to be not so dissimilar to a Mervyns or a TJMaxx even, although the Wikipedia article labels it a “department store.” Evidently the leasing folks at Harsch seem to think Alamedans can’t get enough of these sort of stores.
So here’s what they’ve done, which I find completely puzzling. In the redesign, hey have opted to entirely close off the Western entrance to the building. That, for those of you not directionally-inclined, is the side that faces the old Safeway building/now defunct proposed site for Target. So there is a parking lot for people to park, but no entrance as is currently available in the exisiting building. When asked about this, the answer given was something about display space inside the building and needing the extra walls to properly display items. Also I think there was some mention about having to hire extra personnel to cover additional entrances in the case of shoplifting. Understandable, I suppose, but if anything is ever proposed and finally approved for the old Safeway building then it really will stand alone rather isolated from the rest of the mall area.
Plus the greige (gray and beige) coloring on the Kohl’s building is really sort of blah. Yes, Harsch has promised to put lots and lots of landscaping around the building to make it look less like a huge mass of concrete with a little bit of beige brick thrown in for color. It seems to me that the developer sort of lost inspiration by the time they finished up with everything else and ended up with this building, because personally I find that the rest of ATC is a vast improvement over what was there, which used to be really depressing. But with the nice landscaping that Harsch has put in and the new facades, it really is shaping up to be a much more pleasant shopping experience, it really does need better stores though and more dining options for those who might choose to stay for more than a few hours. However when I was there this past weekend, apparent the new Massage Envy is offering introductory rates for one hour massages. I believe it’s $39 for a one hour massage, sounds like a pretty good deal for those of you feeling rather tense.
So, I’m not pleased with “new and improved” Kohl’s building, but I suppose it was better than what was there, but that’s not saying a whole lot. And since I none of the stores on that side of the mall necessarily appeal to me anyway, I won’t be seeking a whole heck of a lot of it. It’s just disappointing that Harsch didn’t try a little harder. After this, can they please do something about that office supply store?
In a completely unrelated topic, apparently Alameda Daily News is preciently seeing glimpses of the future. I have attached is here in case it disappears as magically as it appeared:
If only Don R. could channel his future telling abilities into revealing to us all what future lottery numbers would be.
And yet, at the same time, ADN is stuck in a past that seems to pride itself on being as culturally insensitive as possible. Below his blast from the future is a post making fun of Cinco de Mayo, an important holiday for millions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans, but a target of derision by good old Donnie.
I’m all for a good laugh, and will be the first to admit that some of my jokes are in poor taste, but I don’t go around posting them on sites that claim to have journalistic standards.
Good for him for keeping the perception of Alameda as a racially and culturally insensitive city alive.
Comment by notadave — May 5, 2008 @ 7:32 am
You know why they’re closing off the Western entrance? So that people will find it more difficult to cut through the store and out the other side. I suppose the idea is to sort of force people to stay in the store a tad longer and perhaps spend more.
Kohls is about the same as all the rest of the medium sized lower cost clothing retail stores, so you’re correct: basically a lot like Mervyns.
That mall is turning into a mad house. I used to enjoy going there- especially when it had a couple of dollar stores- but ever since they’ve gone the pho-fancy look, the place is overcrowded.
Comment by edvard — May 5, 2008 @ 7:52 am
The other 7 billion people on Earth would call that “Progress.”
Comment by Wilson's Bobby — May 5, 2008 @ 7:55 am
If I ever open a Vietnamese noodle joint, I’m going to name it “Pho Fancy” in honor of Edvard. It has offically bumped “Mmm…noodle soup” as my name of choice for my dream restaurant.
Comment by Lauren Do — May 5, 2008 @ 8:31 am
The contempt that Harsch seems to have for pedestrians is mind-boggling.
Comment by Jack B — May 5, 2008 @ 8:50 am
Yet another lack-luster store opens up at ATC. Can’t say I’m surprised though, I mean, with a TJMAXX across the way, they are kinda limited in the types of stores that will take up leases around it. Terranomics is doing a pretty bad job at marketing the spaces here overall. Their leasing agents must be scraping rock bottom. How many mid-size discount stores does one mall really need?
Comment by MarkD — May 5, 2008 @ 9:49 am
Personally, I’d love it if they simply shut all of it down and turned it into a great big flea market.There’s quite a large amount of parking space so it’d be perfect. Of course it would have to compete with the coliseum and laney college flea markets. Maybe this one could be an upscale flea market.
Comment by edvard — May 5, 2008 @ 11:04 am
Bye Bye, Merv. We hardly knew ye.
Youda thunk they would have pitched that space to Tar-jzay in the first place.
South Shore is crowded? Other than those big boxes we worked so hard to keep out, what else is there besides See’s?
Comment by Delmundo — May 6, 2008 @ 10:50 am
The retail mix at Alameda Towne Centre is one step above what we previously had. While the design is good, I’m very disappointed in the number of discount stores on the waterfront (Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy are all discounters). I think Harsh Development missed a great opportunity to go upscale — they have a great location! Kohl’s is definately a discount store —they are another version of Mervyns or JC Penneys. While I’m happy to see these stores in Alameda, I would like to see our waterfront developments go upscale.
What a missed opportunity!
Comment by Karen Bey — May 6, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Well, what kind of upscale stores should they have? Tiffany’s? Williams and Sonoma? Like it matters where you go these days: Wal-Mart or Williams and Sonoma because ALL of it is stamped and spat out of the same Chinese factories.
Just flip over any Kitchenaide/Cuisinart/or Dyson and they’re all imported from China. Fancy names. Equally inexpensive manufactured consumer products. To me, the names on stores these days are like comparing a Ford Taurus and a Mercury Sable: Same car but with come clever badge engineering.
If people want to shop upscale, there’s already quite a few retail/clothing stores in Alameda that cater to upscale people including a couture shop where you can blow $1,500 on a dress.
Besides- there’s no way that I’m going to waste money on the things that upscale stores sell, so at least for me, the shopping center is a nice mix between not being too cheap and not too expensive.
Admittedly I’m a sucker for Wal-Mart.
Comment by edvard — May 6, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
EDDIE- Guess what? – Japan, China, Barbados, Mexico – you name it, – country of origin has little to do with quality. The all have factories which will manufacture to whatever specifications are required. High quality cookware can be turned out by the same country, even the same factory as poor quality cookware. Williams-Sonoma and your favored Wal-Mart, may buy from factories in the same country, but trust anybody that knows anything – it is not the same quality that they are selling at their stores.
You also should know that by supporting Wal-Mart you are shorting the rest of society. You cry for fairness yet support employers that standardize unfair labor practices. Shame.
Comment by Dave Kirwin — May 6, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
I suppose Japan, China, Barbados, Mexico – you name it, all have fair labor practices. If you don’t like Wal-Mart’s labor practices, don’t work for them.
Comment by Jack Richard — May 6, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
Jack – that is a good point. What are your suggestions for stopping the exodus of American manufacturing jobs? I don’t think a “Bring ‘em home” campaign will work. But should anyone buy foreign made goods where we don’t know what the labor practices are – should we buy from a retailer with a good labor record or one that is blatantly taking advantage of it’s workers, refusing to negotiate with worker representation about health care or any other issue of wages, hours or worker conditions? We-the-taxpayers have to support the health care of Wal-Mart workers – isn’t that the duty of a reputable employer?
Comment by Dave Kirwin — May 6, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
post 13… Dave K. I’d rather eat s–t and die than shop or work at Wal-Mart. I’m with you on this one. John P.
Comment by john piziali — May 6, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
That’s “S–T”
Comment by john piziali — May 6, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
I guess I will just have to spell it. shit.
Comment by john piziali — May 6, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Thanks for 14 – 16 John; not just for for your viewpoint but the humor – I cracked up – some times you just have to spell it out honestly.
Comment by dk — May 6, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
I have been to Walmart a few times, but have never bought anything there. I walked through the whole store and didn’t see anything I wanted. I sort of feel the same about Target, although I have bought a few things there…very little…and I feel the same about Ikea…everything is made so cheap…I am at a place in my life if I am going to buy something, I want it to last for awhile. With that all said there certainly a market for people who what their products.
Comment by Joel — May 6, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
# 13
No DK, the duty of a reputable employer is to pay and provide whatever the worker and the employer agreed to. Why all the add on’s after the fact?
# 14
So, john, would you rather eat shit than buy at…you name the place, any retailer that sells goods from any country that doesn’t subscribe to your preferred diet? You’re free to eat whatever you want.
Comment by Jack Richard — May 6, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Quite a few upscale retail stores in Alameda . . .where? I can think of maybe two? Point is, I will continue to drive out to SF/Walnut Creek for “shopping” trips. My wife and kids will appreciate.
Comment by MarkD — May 6, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
#19 WHY?
Why do I feel like a Molly McGuire talking to a mine owner over 100 years ago?
Why as a tax payer should I pay for Wal-Mart workers lack of health benefits? My ‘reputable’ employer pays for much of my health benefits, if they did not I could earn a higher wage. – Are you rather in favor of a ’single payer’ or ‘national health’ program, or are you a scientologist who thinks nobody should ever get medical help to re-balance their mortal coil? Or should we do away with all heath care except for what can be afforded out-of-pocket?
Jack, there is a more modern social philosophy that thinks and plans for sustainability of the planet and the human social fabric. What is good for all is good for each. Life isn’t about passing go, it is about enjoying the ‘game’, and it is more fun for longer periods of time if everyone can do well. – The ‘disenfranchised’ can kick the damned game board over as they storm out if the ‘rules’ or rulers put them out. We have the challenge, the obligation, of changing our rules so the game is as good as we can make it for all players.
Comment by David Kirwin — May 6, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
DK,
I agree with your point about quality. Japan used to make the stuff of dime store fodder. Now they make cars that tend to have better reliability and quality ratings than anything BMW or Mercedes makes and lead the world in robotic development. But at the same time, Japan has never had the same labor conditions that exist in China.
My point was that I think a lot of people shop at specific stores because they think they’re getting some sort of mystical shopping experience and buying superior wares when in fact they’re simply walking into yet another concrete warehouse stocked with cheaply manufactured ( as in produced with near slave labor at a fraction of the cost) products. I fail to see any difference between Williams and Sonoma or Wal-Mart… yet ironically most of the wannabe-rich folks who shop at such ‘upscale’ stores would NEVER venture into a Wal-Mart.
The retail experience in the US is perhaps the best way to gauge just how class warfare has progressed. I know for a fact that when me and my Wife go to Wal-Mart, which is usually to buy food, we’re the only white people there. I think this is less to do with the products Wal-Mart sells and more about the general snob attitudes that exists here.
But… getting back to China and how we might compete, I see it as a possible repeat of the 80’s when Americans made similar comments about Japan- that they were stealing all our jobs and making EVERYTHING. What happened was that they became unproductive. The country had a massive housing and credit bubble like ours in the late 80’s. The result of their crash crippled their economy for years, and still does to an extent. US companies became leaner, meaner, and more efficient. Factories were able to produce more with less people, which led to the ability to compete with Japanese companies. In essence, the cost of living in Japan caught up and surpassed the US. Their labor costs rose and so on. So eventually the playing field was leveled.
At the rate that the Chinese economy is growing as well as the rate in which salaries, manufacturing costs, and the overall rise of the middle class increases, this will have the same effect of slowly eroding the advantage China has over US in terms of manufacturing. The delta will be closed. Their stock market is also highly overinflated so I wouldn’t be surprised if they experience some sort of massive correction sometime in the future.
As far as what I buy, well believe it or not almost everything I own was either bought at a Flea Market, found on the side of the road, or given to me. These are all nice things too which in most cases are built better than the modern day equivalents. Most consumer goods these days are utterly disposable.So I try to avoid buying them in the first place.
Comment by edvard — May 7, 2008 @ 7:40 am
# 21
Better grease up your sling, David, it’s a mighty target you’ve cut out for slaying; changing the rules for all humankind. Takes me on a nostalgic trip back to Berkeley in the sixties. Ms McGuire, used to stand on the Sproul steps every noontime extolling we uninformed mine owners that there was a perfect world out there just waiting for the grasp. All we had to do was, as Mark I’s bumpersticker said, Eat the Rich.
From the intensity of your rhetoric, you don’t much sound like you’re “enjoying the game”. So, if it’s alright with you, (and I know it isn’t since you one worlders know what’s best for everyone) I’ll stay out of your little “social philosophy” board game and enjoy watching yet another failure.
Comment by Jack Richard — May 7, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Hello Lauren-
I just starting visting this site and saw your post about Alameda Towne Centre.I have been working on redeveloping this center for almost 8 years now so I have grown a few duck feathers and I’ve learned not to take things personally.What I do try and do is explain to people why we do the things we do and the challenges we face in the crazy mixed up retail world.
I would like to invite you to take a tour with me in the near future around the center so I can address your concerns.I can tell you why Kohl’s will not have a west side door and the “soon to be announced ” new food tenants that will be joining us here and all the other new tenants in tow. When you have a 47 acre property with many existing tenants in place it takes a lot of time to change things because of leases and a host of other reasons.
I learned a long time ago that we will never please everyone.One persons favorite store is another persons nightmare. We are trying to build a great place for our community to shop, dine, relax,and enjoy and in the end you do the best you can…go home kiss your wife and kids and sleep tight.
Mike Corbitt
General Manager
Alameda Towne Centre
Comment by Mike Corbitt — May 7, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Hey Mike,
Thanks for being transparent on the matter. I deeply appreciate companies that go out of their way to communicate with consumers. My Hat is off to you.
But just to air my opinion, which again is just one of many, I have to say that since living in Alameda for approximately 8 years, I can’t say I’m more of a fan of the shopping center now than I was back when it resembled something more akin to a more plain shopping center.
The look now is decisively upscale from the new Safeway to the fancy baby clothes store. The thing is that from a physiological standpoint, when I walk into the new Safeway, which is starkly different from the old store with it’s plain drop ceilings and generic white linoleum floors, I feel like that not only is the store more upscale, but that what I am buying is going to be more expensive even if its really just the same stuff that was in the ‘old’ safeway. Thus I’m usually less inclined to buy sporadically as I was before.
I realize that Alameda has sort of been transitioning from a old Mom-N-Pop kind of town into a increasingly wealthy community with shoppers ( as indicated by comments from bloggers here) who demand upscale goods and services. So perhaps the change is highly appropriate for the city’s changing demographic.
Anyhow, I again appreciate your openness.
Comment by edvard — May 7, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Mike,
I would trade Borders and Kohls for a Target any day….let Trader Joe’s move into Safeway’s spot and Safeway into Trader Joe’s.
OK, these are requests that can’t happen, I understand that but it is what it would take to get me to go to anything but TJ’s (they rock).
Comment by Virginia — May 7, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
#25 You bring up an interesting poit, My parents shop the same way. By appearnce alone they might dismiss a store because it seems more expensive, even if it’s not.Thats the weird thing about this place. The retail mix isn’t the upscale selection some people seem to want, but it’s a little to nice for the discount mall that it is.
Comment by Janice C. — May 7, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
#24
It would be greatly appreciated if the Center was made more pedestrian friendly. I know that this has been brought up before, but your Center seems to be dragging its feet. In some areas (such as towards the Otis side of the mall by the banks) there are no sidewalks. There are few safe paths from the businesses on Otis to the heart of the mall.
Comment by AlamedaNayTiff — May 7, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
ATC is one step up from a Walmart…although they have a Boarders, Great Safeway, and Trader Joes. The parking sucks, why they got rid of the angled parking and made it straight in is beyond reason…when you are trying to pull out you have cars coming in both directions as well as pedestrians it is dangerous. I love the Safeway though. We still shop in Emeryville or SF most of the time because on the better quality stores…as we are not really into discount stores. I believe Park Street with the Theater opening will see a big change as opportunities for more shopping and restaurants…with a great place to park. Maybe the upscale stores will move to Park Street and the shopping center will just remain what it is…missed opportunities…or hopefully Alameda Landing will attract a different mix.
Comment by Joel — May 7, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
# 24 Mike,
Thanks for your post about ATC. Mostly what you’ve heard in response to your post is on the negative side. I want to thank you for the new design because I like what you’ve done to the south shore shopping center. The stores will come and go depending on factors that are mostly outside the control of we who post here. My wife loves Mervyns but, I guess it’s slated to go. That’s fine, she’ll find another. But more importantly the stroll through the Centre in enjoyable where before it was merely getting from one bland storefront to another.
Keep up the good work!
Comment by Jack Richard — May 7, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Aside from the name, the new and improved centre is a vast improvement upon the previous incarnation. The gardens, fountains and artwork are wonderful, and I have noticed that numerous people are treating the center as though it is a park; dog walking, book reading with a cup of coffee, power walking, etc.
I am eagerly anticipating the opening of Borders and Zeytini Restaurant and Bar. (I once had an amazing meal at a restaurant called ‘Zeytini’ in Istanbul; hope, hope, hope that this ‘Zeytini’ has Turkish roots…)
Comment by Susan — May 7, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
DISCLAIMER: The smiley face was added by wordpress.
Comment by Susan — May 7, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
When will the historic mid-century restoration begin?
http://www.alamedainfo.com/Aerial%20Vew%20of%20Alameda,%20c.jpg
Comment by AlamedaNayTiff — May 7, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
While I find the mall a nicer experience in the exterior walkways because of all the aesthetic upgrades, I am not usually walking through. I am not a shopper that likes to hang out at the mall; TJ’s is usually the only stop for our family. Rarely do I go to more than 1 store at the mall per trip. In fact, I am at a hardware store more often than South shore, and I enjoy supporting both the island’s hardware families. I’d hate to see an OSH at the old Safeway, where they should have placed additional movie screens if they were needed to support the Alameda Theater. (The only downside would be the need of a 2nd popcorn stand.)
So for me, improving the parking, as Joel suggested, is more vital than the artwork. Art is nice, but safety should come first. I discredit the PB for allowing Harsch to piecemeal this series of projects without first presenting the entire plan, and most importantly, I blame PB for allowing safety to be tossed to the back seat of the economic force driving the expansion. Because of the lack of organized traffic patterns and the lack of safe bicycle and pedestrian approach, I would prefer not to have my kids riding bikes there, so I can’t set that example either. Too bad the city doesn’t track how many pedestrian/vehicle accidents have occurred since this expansion was allowed.
If you think the linked image in #33 is funny – you should go back and read the local papers from those days, especially the stories regarding the “new” major developments. The sitting CC who swung the vote for this shopping center and the Otis development was also on the board of the local bank handling the loans for the project.
It was then that Gov Edmond Brown nixed the “Southern Crossing”, the trans-bay bridge local developers wanted to land in Alameda with an exit for South Shore Shopping Senter. That’s why South Shore never matured into the regional mall as expected at the time of design. I think the Harsch perception is that Alameda has always been a working class island and only will use ho-hum discount stores. Now we have even more ho-hum in a fancier package. Is it worth the investment? Thanks for the art.
Another idea for the old Safeway would be an activity center – part climbing gym, educational tutoring (like ‘SCORE”, or AUSD-based), digital film making classes with ‘rental’ equipment and something always being projected on walls, a Peet’s outlet, dog washing, childcare, and regular farmer’s markets, all evolving together under 1 roof would help make the mall more of a ‘community center’.
Comment by David Kirwin — May 7, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
Another idea for the old Safeway would be an activity center – part climbing gym, educational tutoring (like ‘SCORE”, or AUSD-based), digital film making classes with ‘rental’ equipment and something always being projected on walls, a Peet’s outlet, dog washing, childcare, and regular farmer’s markets, all evolving together under 1 roof would help make the mall more of a ‘community center’.
I have to add that it could also be a news outlet – an internet cafe as well as standard newspapers. It would also be fitting if it were a “BOX” stop -if ‘Bay area Organic Express’ is still around – (just checked –they ‘re gone, or now “spud”, more of an on-line food store w/ weekly delivery, I kinda liked the original style for several reasons) maybe ‘Ploughshares’ should set up an “Island OX”.
Needless to say this ‘old Safeway’ location could have much safer bike & pedestrian access via Willow.
What else should belong in a community center to draw families year-round, putting them in convenient proximity to so many other retailers?
Comment by Dave Kirwin — May 7, 2008 @ 10:25 pm
Why do we need Borders when we have a great book store like books inc? They understand books there and you don’t need to smell microwaved quiche while you are shopping.
Comment by Virginia — May 8, 2008 @ 6:08 am
I think DK is onto something. Perhaps make a retail space available to a smaller Hardware store like True Value or Ace? Perhaps see if any of the local hardware stores had an interest in setting up shop there. I know I’d sure as heck go. Then again, the kids of hardware stores I like would probably look out of place in a shopping center like that.
I also liked his idea about having a big Gym there. Maybe a discount community Gym because all the ones around me are really overpriced for what you get.
And Joel- I can’t imagine Emeryville being signifigantly better than anything else. I specifically choose NOT to go to Emeryville because of that nightmare of an interchange on those five lanes of freeway that you have to cut across to get to the exit, the insane parking garage where if you’re lucky your car won’t get broken into, and the crappy selection of eateries like Fudruckers, PF Changs, and whatever other sticky and sweet Americanized eateries happens to be there. Oh- they DO have a Williams and Sonoma and Banana Republic, but that’s really about it and I’m not about to spend $150 on a sauce pan. But… different strokes for different folks.
I can walk to the Alameda center, which is reason enough not to want to leave to go anywhere on weekends not to mention that gas prices are getting to make trips just for shopping purposes more carefully planned.
Comment by edvard — May 8, 2008 @ 7:43 am
correction: “Then again, the KINDS of hardware”
Comment by edvard — May 8, 2008 @ 7:44 am
For those of you who are Mervyns shoppers, looks like Meryvns plan to relocate in Oakland on Hegenberger. If they do I am guessing Fall 2009 or Spring 2010.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_9846688
Comment by Mike McMahon — July 13, 2008 @ 9:30 am