I visited Alameda Towne Center ("centre") this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised. Field Paoli, the redevelopment architectural firm, never fails to disappoint. Although the remodel isn't completed yet, the completed parts are stunning. Tasteful building materials, superb landscaping, and unusual mall art all complement the contemporary styling of the mall.
Many big-box retailers have or are moving into the mall, including Borders Books, TJ Maxx, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Old Navy join an existing line up that includes Mervyn's, Trader Joe's and Super Safeway. Many of the inner mall spaces haven't been leased and there aren't many inline stores, yet. Although, you can still find a number of stores that are surviving the remodel.
When it's complete, this gem will certainly be an asset to the Alameda island tax base. A Target store wants to build a store, but local residents, fearing additional traffic, are fighting it. The area between Berkeley and San Leandro is a Target void. It seems almost unnatural for the area to not have one. We shall see how this plays out.
Read my guide to Alameda Towne Center
See the Outdated aerial view.
