LEVINSON ASSOCIATES LP THE PLAZA AT DELRAY * Delray Beach, Fla. In the category of Renovated Open Centers, Levinson Associates LP, Houston, was awarded the 1999 SADI for its design of The Plaza at Delray, Delray Beach, Fla.
Levinson Associates was challenged to de-mall a 20-year-old retail interior mall and strip center that had entered foreclosure. The center's location on a major south Florida intersection and its proximity to booming areas made renovation plans viable. Though a complete razing of the center was suggested at one point, the idea was neither practical nor cost- effective.
The plans called for the re-facing of several older buildings and the construction of a single, connected retail center. In the midst of all this, the business of a movie theater and several remaining tenants would have to continue uninterrupted.
The decision was made to integrate about 50% of the existing buildings into the new design with the theater as the focal point. The design called for the destruction of 200,000 sq. ft. of the existing space.
To maximize the center's visibility from the adjacent roadway and to capitalize on the large volume of traffic, the architect designed 40'- to 46'-high facades to identify major tenants and 32'- to 36'-high parapets for the remaining shops.
To enhance the height of the elevations and create relief among the 2,000 linear feet of facade, the designers used Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) cornices to create a "massing" effect with varying roof levels. The technique resulted in separate identities and individual entrances for each store linked by a covered promenade.
An exterior lighting system, averaging more than 16 foot-candles, was also designed to provide a sense of security as well as heighten the center's nighttime attraction.
Classic, earth-toned finishes, accent awnings and red pavers project the Florida architecture image, while extensive landscaping, in excess of the municipality's stringent requirements, completes the look.
The renovated community center is 98% leased.
AWARD RECIPIENT LEVINSON ASSOCIATES LP
Houston
CLIENT: LEFMARK Florida Inc.
Miami
Product Manufacturers/Suppliers: Martin-Vilato Associates Inc., Miami (mechanical/electrical engineer); Jenkins & Charland Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (structural engineer); Sheremeta Associates Inc., Delray Beach, Fla. (civil engineer); Ardaman & Associates Inc., West Palm Beach, Fla. (geotechnical engineer); Jerry Turner & Associates Inc., Delray Beach, Fla. (landscape architect); Centex-Rooney Construction Co., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (general contractor); LSI Lighting Systems, Cincinnati (site lighting); Lithonia Lighting, Conyers, Ga. (standard lighting); Carrier, Syracuse, N.Y. (HVAC equipment); GAF Roofing, Wayne, N.J. (roofing system); Stanley Magic Door, New Britain, Conn. (doors and hardware); Schlage, Colorado Springs, Colo. (doors and hardware); Hager, St. Louis (doors and hardware); Ives, New Haven, Conn. (doors and hardware); Senergy, Cranston, R.I. (exterior insulation finish systems); Sunbrella, Glen Raven, N.C. (exterior fabric awnings); Hall Puckett Photographer, Houston (photographer); Mark Surloff Photography, North Miami, Fla. (photographer)