Howard Hughes Corp. will revamp Landmark Mall in Alexandria

Now that it has received rezoning approval, the Howard Hughes Corp. says it will move ahead with plans for a major revamp of Landmark Mall in Alexandria. The 11-acre mall, nine miles from Washington, D.C., will be transformed into an open-air, mixed-use community with retail, residential and entertainment components designed to create an urban village on the west end of Alexandria.

Howard Hughes said in a press release that the 750,000-square-foot redevelopment will include 285,000 square feet of retail, 400 residential units and an upscale dining/movie theater. Sears and Macy’s will continue to anchor the property.

“I would like to thank Alexandria’s city and community leaders, city staff, city planning commission, mayor and city council, Sears and Macy’s for working closely with us to move this vital project forward. Our vision is to breathe new life into Landmark and the surrounding area,” John Simon, executive vice president of strategic planning for The Howard Hughes Corp., said in a statement.

According to the company, it will contribute $4.5 million to local causes and projects in Alexandria. The investments include $500,000 for the Landmark Transit Center, $500,000 in pedestrian and bicycle paths, $200,000 in public art projects, $1 million in city planned Alexandria bus rapid transit and pedestrian access, $150,000 in aesthetic improvements to the Landmark flyover ramp and $2 million into the city’s affordable housing fund.

The company submitted a development permit application to the Alexandria City Council after gaining approval from the Department of Planning & Zoning earlier in the month. Construction is planned to begin by spring of 2014 with the first phase expected to open by the spring of 2016.

Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille said, “This project will be the economic engine to bring vitality to this major retail center and the surrounding neighborhoods, which is long overdue.”

The Howard Hughes Corp. owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate throughout the country. The company’s properties include master planned communities, development opportunities and other assets spanning 18 states from New York to Hawaii.