By: Steiner + Associates

The winners of ICSC’s 2016 Design & Development Awards were announced on December 1 at the ICSC CenterBuild Conference in Phoenix, Arizona and Steiner + Associates’ Easton Gateway District was honored as a winner. The ICSC Design & Development Awards honor outstanding achievement in the design and development of retail properties and retail store design.

The following was provided by ICSC in their description of Easton Gateway District:

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Total Retail Space: 583,000 sq. ft.
Number of Stores: 37
Development Company: Steiner + Associates/
The Georgetown Co.
Owner: Easton Gateway LLC
Architects: Dorsky + Yue International
Graphic Designers: Kolar
Landscape Architects: MKSK
General Contractors: Ruscilli
Management/Leasing Company: Steiner + Associates
Finance Company: Massachusetts Mutual Life
Insurance Company

Easton Town Center first opened in 1999 and was recognized as one of the first open-air
mixed-use centers, setting the standard for place-making businesses. Fifteen years later as its desirable demographics continued to attract tenants, the center expanded with the 54-acre Gateway District incorporating 668,000 sq. ft. of big box, junior retailers, specialty shops, restaurants, and class “A” offices above retail. To blend into the existing development while creating its own distinct identity, designers conceptualized a modern retail center built on a turn of the century “re-claimed” industrial facility thriving for years and depending on the economic activity of the town. Following natural urban growth patterns, this complex would have been built on the outskirts of town in a similar position to its location in the Easton master plan, with direct connections to major transportation routes, such as US I-270. The project, divided into two zones, is positioned to facilitate pedestrian cross-shopping convenience. The centrally located and architecturally cohesive Main Street and the Peripheral Buildings, which include larger structures positioned around the main block, convey a diverse architectural character. The architecture of Easton Town Center reflects typical Midwest small towns with strong traditional undertones incorporating contemporary expressions to enrich the composition, similar to that which occurs naturally. In kind, the Gateway District buildings portray a traditional industrial style complemented with a few modern statements to add vibrancy and reinforce the concept of evolution
and growth over time.