ALEXANDRIA, VA-Howard Hughes Corp. reports it has secured approval for the critical rezoning of its Landmark Mall redevelopment project.

The 750,000 square foot redevelopment of Landmark 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, company officials say,

“Our vision is to breathe new life into Landmark and the surrounding area,” states John Simon, executive vice president of strategic planning for The Howard Hughes Corporation.

The Dallas-based firm 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 expected to begin by the spring of 2014 with the first phase projected to open by the spring of 2016.