Phase I construction continues at Charleston shopping center
Facelifts aren’t uncommon in Las Vegas, but this one involves a shopping center.
Rampart Commons, on the northwest corner of Rampart and Charleston boulevards, is getting a major overhaul from Indianapolis-based parent company Kite Realty.
Kite deals with commercial properties and acquired the shopping center in 2015, paying $32.3 million.
The center will see construction in two phases. The current one, which involves revamping empty spaces, is expected to be done in November.
The project includes facade redevelopment in the 44,689-square-foot retail center, interior shell work and redevelopment of the 8.28-acre site. Architect DLR Group planned the new facades, which will be revealed in Phase II.
The work began with building demolition, grading and earth work and focused on underground utilities, pavement markings and signage. The plumbing and electrical systems were addressed. Structure work included metal installs, awnings, canopies, insulation, roofing, specialty siding and exterior metal wall panels.
Rampart Commons will have car-charging stations, a newer trend for shopping centers.
Kite did not respond to requests, nor has it released a list of newly signed tenants. DC Building Group, the contractor, said all businesses will remain open for Phase II.
Randall Warder, vice president of Honey Salt, said the construction has affected the restaurant.
“More than 50 percent of the spaces have been vacant for well over a year,” he said. “So, the fact there’s activity going on sends a good message to people to say, ‘Oh, that’s cool. That center that was dead is now going to have some life.’ So that’s a huge plus. But does it 100 percent mitigate the fact that there’s a construction mess to look at right now? No, I don’t think so.”
Capezio Las Vegas occupies the space right next to the construction. The manager said that besides dusty windows and sweeping a wisp of dirt out from the entry each morning, there hasn’t been much of an effect on the business.
“I’m very excited, actually,” said manager Emily Schmidt. “I’m ready to mix it up and have a different design here.”
Contact Jan Hogan at jhogan@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2949.
Open concepts
The future of shopping centers involves open concepts, according to the Robin Report. It adds that more centers likely will become miniature hubs in the community, with gathering spaces and outdoor elements incorporated into a mixed-use design.
