Home Sustainable Land Development Today March 2005

New Benchmark Established for Sustainability in Retail Development

Written by Leslee A. Temple

Sunday, 02 January 2005

Project Profile, The Crossings at Corona Not to be left behind, shopping center developers throughout the nation are now looking more seriously at incorporating “green” solutions into their projects, especially as they realize the potential for substantive, long-term benefits. The Crossings at Corona, in Corona, CA, is an example of what the future might hold. At 1.2 million square feet, this shopping center represents one of the most ambitious and largest green retail development programs in the nation, utilizing many innovative products and practices that are destined to serve as prototypes for other centers. Owned and developed by Castle & Cooke Corona, Inc., The Crossings at Corona is a state-of-the-industry retail and entertainment center in Corona, a rapidly growing community of 38,000 in Riverside County. The Crossings occupies a 113-acre site and utilizes a spectrum of “green” products and practices that promote conservation of natural resources. “Green development” is a growing trend throughout the nation as commercial and residential builders and owners look more closely at the environmental, economic and community benefits of sustainable development. NUVIS Landscape Architecture and Planning was retained by Castle & Cook to develop the comprehensive sustainable program for The Crossings. NUVIS was responsible for developing innovative solutions to the diverse environmental concerns that needed to be addressed as part of the sustainable landscape architecture for the huge retail project. The landscape architecture plan for The Crossings accomplished several goals, including developing ecological associations, reducing water consumption, utilizing recycled hardscape materials, restoring sensitive habitat areas, and creating serene pathway and garden environments that provide shade and beauty. Some of the landscaping innovations at The Crossings include extensive use of native plant materials, habitat restoration of the adjacent St. Joseph Wash, and the relocation of 15 mature oak trees on the site. With the developer’s blessing, NUVIS was able to utilize significant sustainable landscape architecture principles. At its core, sustainable development promotes resource conservation, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation. Sustainable development is focused on creating environmentally sound and resource-efficient buildings and centers by using an integrated approach to planning and design that is sensitive to the wise use and protection of non-renewable resources. Today, there aren’t many retail centers in the U.S. with this level of what we believe is very intelligent landscaping architecture, from both sustainable and aesthetic viewpoints. For instance, about 80 percent of The Crossings’ landscaping is native or water-efficient plant material, which will help keep maintenance and irrigation costs down significantly. “At The Crossings, particular attention was paid to environmental impacts, with the primary goal being to create a healthier environment, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and address issues such as habitat restoration and historic preservation,” explains Bill Sampson, senior vice president, Castle & Cooke, Commercial, Inc. “We wanted The Crossings to be a showcase for our shoppers and for the community.” When dealing with the ecologically sensitive areas that were part of the project site, NUVIS had to address a number of issues including suitability analysis, existing material avoidance/protection, restoration/enhancement, and edge transition/buffering. Numerous mitigation measures had to be incorporated into the landscape architecture plan. The St. Joseph Wash, which lies adjacent to the retail center site, had to be restored because of its designation as an environmentally sensitive area. This proved to be quite a challenge because there were numerous mitigation measures that had to be performed. NUVIS was also responsible for relocating 15 highly prized oak trees that were on the site, some of which were hundreds of years old. This was no easy task. One of the oaks was so large that two 18-wheel truck beds had to be welded together to haul it across the site. But it was important to save the oaks despite the difficulties and cost of removing and relocating them. “We all believed it was well worth the effort, and these beautiful trees have established a mature landscape character for the entire retail center,” says Sampson. Once the basic project infrastructure was in place, the oaks were planted at strategic locations in The Crossings site. Two huge oaks were placed at the entrances of the center, while other oaks were planted at key intersections and throughout the site to maintain the landscaping theme. Oaks are rarely used for this type of development, so this was a real test. A large number of Crepe Myrtle trees also populate The Crossings site, joining with the stately oaks to provide substantial shade during those warm summer months that are typical for this region. Elegant Chrysler Imperial Roses are planted around the center and intricate brickwork by Pacific Clay adds texture to the landscaping. The center’s spectacle of trees and botanicals complements The Crossings’ backdrop of rustic hills and arroyos. Aesthetically, the landscape architecture works together with carefully orchestrated colors, materials, and architectural elements to form the visual fabric of the retail center. NUVIS created functional and stylish activity hubs by combining natural materials with creative  designs to ensure the landscaping offers beauty, shade and a sense of space. Care was also taken to provide attractive “people gathering” places within the center, which include such features as covered paseos, plazas, arbors, fountains and sitting areas. Castle & Cooke also had some very unique ideas about creating a great retail place. They recognized the importance of landscaping to establish a visual statement, and the need to  soften the project’s edges, especially around the “big-box” retail outlets. Special attention was given to selecting the colors, textures, and materials so they would complement the architecture. It’s very important to provide continuity, yet minimize the visual impact of these  large structures. The Crossings at Corona has proven to be very successful and is now 80 percent leased, according to Sampson. It is the newest and largest retail center to open in Riverside County, which has been one of the nation’s fastest growing areas during the last five years. As it evolves with additional tenants and buildings, The Crossings will usher in a new era of retail, dining and entertainment venues in the greater Corona market. The center features many quality retailers including Kohl’s Department Store, Target, Cost Plus, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Sportsmart, Michael’s Arts & Crafts, Best Buy, and an 18-screen Edwards Cinema. Restaurants include Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, and On The Border. National and local programs encouraging green development are growing and reporting successes. As part of the Castle & Cooke team, NUVIS was in the unique position to look at new and different ways to develop a more sustainable retail center. There aren’t many retail developers and owners who are using these types of sustainable practices at the same level as Castle & Cooke. However, we believe that in the future, more commercial and retail developers will want to “go green,” especially as they better understand and embrace the cost savings, goodwill and other benefits associated with sustainable development. The Crossings provides a tangible example of what green development within a retail environment can accomplish in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and energy and resource efficiency. SLDT