LEED-Certified Shopping Center to Open in Florida

Coconut Creek, Fla. The Promenade at Coconut Creek, the largest mixed-use lifestyle center in Northern Broward County, Fla., is opening on Nov. 1. Developed by Columbus, Ohio-based Stanbery Development, the center is one of the first major developments in the southeastern United States to win Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

Phase 1 of Promenade is complete, with a total of 196,000 sq. ft. of retail and 50,000 sq. ft. of office space. A second phase, with an additional 105,000 sq. ft. of retail and office, is scheduled for completion in 2009. Among the approximately 75 retailers and restaurants are Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Chico’s, Talbot’s, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A Bank and Sunglass Hut, as well as Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse, Fish City Grill, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and Starbucks.

Coconut Creek’s Main Street plan, winner of an award of excellence from the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, offers a hybrid approach to a completely pedestrian-oriented urban district and a vehicular-dominant suburban shopping center. The Promenade’s design encourages interaction between pedestrian and vehicular movement within itself, as well as with future developments, through efficient use of land resources and compact growth.

The center design includes courtyards, plazas and breezeways to provide natural air flow and serve as activity nodes and gathering places. The locations of parking garages and lots minimize walking distances between vehicles and destinations. Among the sustainable design strategies are storm-water management; use of indigenous plant materials; smart irrigation; preferred parking for energy-efficient and low-emission vehicles; alternative transportation; and energy-efficient architecture.