SAN MATEO, CA—C.W. Driver Companies has hired Corky Silva as project executive. In his new role, Silva will oversee the company's Northern California projects, including the Hillsdale Shopping Center North Block Redevelopment–one of the largest enclosed shopping centers in the Bay Area. Silva recently discussed the project, its appeal and some of its challenges in this exclusive.

GlobeSt.com: What is unique about the Hillsdale Shopping Center North Block Redevelopment?

Corky Silva: As one of the largest enclosed shopping centers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hillsdale Shopping Center attracts more than 8 million affluent and fashion-conscious shoppers annually, drawing from a market area with household incomes twice the national average.

The $155 million project is a redevelopment of an existing mall. The renovation involved tearing down what was previously the Sears building to make room for the new five-building retail center. The project will provide a beautiful outdoor courtyard, an all-new food court as well as a bridge to the existing part of the mall. The mall is remaining open despite construction, and access tunnels that run directly through construction areas have been maintained to allow for deliveries and day-to-day operations.

GlobeSt.com: Have you encountered any challenges with this project?

Silva: This project has had several challenging aspects throughout the process. First and foremost, the fact that the mall was still open during construction meant that the crew had to be highly vigilant of the high pedestrian activity and the adjacent mall structures. In addition, the tight site was located between busy thoroughfares and residential homes. This resulted in limited street access, making deliveries and navigation difficult. Aside from the site itself, the extremely rainy weather conditions from November through February made it arduous to maintain progress and stay on track.

GlobeSt.com: What benefits will shoppers see from the redeveloped retail, entertainment and dining space?

Silva: This project will provide a new world touch to a previously outdated area of the mall. The new space will offer improved amenities, including endless options of entertainment, shopping and activities for guests of all ages. The center will include a luxury theater, an upscale bowling retailer and new concept dining options that will be enhanced by a vibrant outdoor plaza, lush greens and floral landscaping. The updated facility will add a breath of fresh air to the current mall and transform the existing neighborhood into a special place for the community.

GlobeSt.com: What is your outlook for retail building in the Bay Area?

Silva: It is projects like this that will spur retail developments in the Bay Area and hopefully provide some increase in retail construction over the coming years. It is my outlook that retail developments will maintain a strong growth as projects like the Hillsdale Mall will inspire people to take a break from online shopping and experience what a beautiful project like this has to offer to its patrons. It would be of no surprise to see more of these hybrid entertainment center and shopping destinations crop up.

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