8 Cost-Effective Exterior Improvements That Will Transform Your Retail Property

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift from brick-and-mortar retail sales to online shopping, including the addition of contactless, curbside, and drive-thru options. The pandemic also brought with it an economic downturn, social isolation, and quarantine challenges. Experts predict consumer confidence will rebound as people enthusiastically return to a more social and interactive shopping experience.

Riverchase Renovation

As part of an overall renovation of the Riverchase Galleria, CMH developed a phased renovation of the mall concourses, center court, restrooms, and parking decks. This beautiful image shows the innovative fabric design at work in the cavernous, skylighted food court. It adds tons of “color and interest” to the space. The parking deck renovations… Continued

Lifestyle Center Timeline

Birmingham, Ala. (July 22, 2016) – In the 2000s, the lifestyle center became the darling of retail shopping.  In the years from 2000 to 2008 CMH designed 23 lifestyle centers with a total area of 7.8 million square feet.  See chart below to view our major contributions to the rapid rise of this popular shopping venue.

Gus Mayer Relocation Spotlight

Birmingham, Ala. (June 17, 2016) – We are ending the work week with a spotlight on one of our older projects, the relocation of the Gus Mayer!  The owners at Gus Mayer approached CMH regarding design of their new store at The Summit, asking for a new store that would clearly define their position in the… Continued

The Outlet Shops at Grand River

Leeds, Ala. (April 26, 2016) – Shown above is the pavilion area at The Outlet Shops of Grand River in Leeds, AL lit up in the early evening. A nice place to grab a breath of fresh air and get some shopping done.

Sketch of the Week: Whole Foods Riverchase

Birmingham, Ala. (April 18, 2016) – The Sketch of the Week this week features a renovation of an existing vacant grocery store into a new Whole Foods Market.  The new market will serve as an anchor and help to revitalize an existing retail center.

Saks Fifth Avenue – San Juan

San Juan, Puerto Rico (March 18, 2016) – This project is one of the two main anchors for The Mall of San Juan in Puerto Rico.  Strategically located in the center of the San Juan metro area, the urban site presents a number of spatial, logistical, construction and design challenges.  The buildings adjacency to the mall,… Continued

Retail Development Is Main Focus of Renowned Architectural Technology Summit

Birmingham, Ala. (Jan. 28, 2014) – At the recent Autodesk University—an annual summit held by the technology giant responsible for the groundbreaking software programs AutoCAD and Revit—an entire day of the conference was devoted to retail development, with prominent developers in attendance. Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software program that creates dynamic 3D models that provide smart… Continued

CMH Uses Innovative Fabric Design in Galleria Renovation

Birmingham, Ala. (Sept. 6, 2013) – When the owners of the Galleria explained that they wanted something “to add color and interest” throughout the interior of the cavernous skylighted structure— something of significant size that would not interfere with access to the sprinkler, HVAC, electrical, security, or lighting systems—the design challenge was set. The CMH team began brainstorming and… Continued