Lakeforest Mall Announces $1.2 Million In Capital Improvements In 2013

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lakeforest Mall today announced it is implementing a $1.2 million renovation plan to improve the overall aesthetic and functionality of the interior areas of the mall.  Improvements include a complete reconfiguration of Center Court, a new and improved children's play area, and new furniture for the Cafes in the Forest Food Court.

"This investment speaks volumes to our continued commitment to enhancing the shopping and dining experience at Lakeforest Mall and we are confident the end result will be very appealing to our customers and the greater community.  The renovations will allow us to expand our existing events, add additional community events, enhance the food court experience and provide a dedicated area for families to enjoy the new play area," said Susan Davis, Marketing Director, Lakeforest Mall.

Construction is commencing on the Center Court area in August and includes removing the original seating and fountains to level the entire area.  The new 5,245 SF one-level space will be ideally suited to host popular community events such as the Lunar New Year Celebration, Summer Camp Expo, and holiday promotions. The Center Court elevator will also be modernized to more efficiently transport shoppers between the upper and lower levels of the mall.  The Center Court renovation is being designed and managed by Heath Design Group of Baltimore, MD and is expected to be completed by early November.

The old children's play area located in Center Court was removed and a brand new play area, Adventure In The Forest, was created in the courtyard area near JCPenney. The new location allows the mall to keep the play area open during events in Center Court, a benefit that previously was not possible. The new play area opened on July 30^th and features an Oak tree, jeep, helicopter and canoe among a Maryland woodland backdrop of Black-eyed Susan flowers, terrapin turtle and a Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly. The concept is a combination of transportation pieces interspersed with a Maryland theme, and includes built-in seating and cubbies for shoes.

In addition to the new play area, the 365-seat Cafes in the Forest Food Court recently received new furniture including larger tables and complementary styled seating to create a refreshed and inviting environment.

These renovations are all part of a comprehensive plan to reposition Lakeforest Mall as the preferred destination in the community for shopping and dining.  In 2013, Lakeforest Mall launched a new kids club, Adventure Kids, and welcomed several new tenants including national retailer rue21, local chocolatier SPAGnVOLA, and J.Marie, a new full service restaurant featuring American Cajun Creole cuisine that is scheduled to open in late August.

About Lakeforest Mall:

Lakeforest Mall is located off of I-270 at exit 11, Montgomery Village Avenue and route 355 and is owned by Five Mile Capital Partners LLC of Stamford, Connecticut and managed by Urban Retail Properties, LLC, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Lakeforest Mall is a 1.1 million square foot family shopping center, with a dynamic mix of over 150 unique retailers and eateries, including anchors JC Penney, Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Sears. Additional information is available at www.shoplakeforest.com. Lakeforest Mall shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.  For more information follow Lakeforest Mall on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Lakeforest Mall