Originally printed in Denver Metro, A Millennium Celebration(Heritage Media Corp., Carlsbad, CA, 2000)
Park Meadows Retail Resort
By Mary Jacoby Hastings
More than 17 million guests each year experience the ambiance of a grand mountain lodge.
Cascading waterfalls, extensive use of natural lighting, stone fireplaces, natural wood-beam cathedral ceilings and over-stuffed leather sofas create the retail resort atmosphere that clearly defines Park Meadows.
Park Meadows, "Colorado's Only Retail Resort" located in Littleton, Colorado, held its grand opening on August 30, 1996, becoming one of Colorado's most unique venues. The center successfully brought together original architecture reflective of the environment with a retail lineup that has earned international recognition and success. Park Meadows has become the catalyst for the next generation of shopping centers.
When Anthony Belluschi of Anthony Belluschi Architects in Chicago designed Park Meadows, the focus was on creating a relaxed shopping environment with an emphasis on large stores and themed areas. The 1.6 million-square-foot center was built using materials indigenous to the Rocky Mountain region, with landscaping typical of Colorado. Plans called for a timeless design that would fit its surroundings.
Part of the timeless design and uniqueness of the center is the concentration of retailers in distinct areas, otherwise known as districting, to create a more efficient and easier shopping venture. The four personality zones that make up Park Meadows are the lifestyle district, fashion district, family district and the entertainment district. Whether it’s marble, wood or carpet flooring, each zone has its own specific decor that lends itself to the identity of the area.
The Majestic Court is the center's lifestyle zone and features warm wood surfaces and a cascading waterfall, encircled by the words to "America the Beautiful." Eddie Bauer, A.K.A. Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer Home, J. Crew, Ann Taylor and GAP round out the retailers located in the Majestic Court.
Park Meadows' fashion zone features Nordstrom, Talbots, Restoration Hardware, Lauren Brooks, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn. The Chalet court is designed for socializing and relaxing under early 1900s lodge-style lighting. The handcrafted leather furniture and a massive stone fireplace warm up this area. While at the Chalet Court, shoppers can enjoy a cappuccino at the cafe-style seating of the Nordstrom Espresso Bar or nestle into a comfortable sofa to read a book by the light of Tiffany-style copper lamps.
Park Meadows' family zone offers children's and lifestyle merchandise from stores such as Denver's largest Dillard's, flagship JCPenney, Eastern Mountain Sports, Finish Line and Warner Bros. Studio Store. All of these stores surround the ranch-type setting of Centennial Court, which features hanging mobiles of native Colorado wildlife and overstuffed leather animals for active children's play.
Designed in ranch-dining-hall-style, the Grand Dining Hall is theentertainment zone at Park Meadows. The towering fireplace, wooden tables inlaid with a Native American motif, ladder-back wooden chairs and copper chandeliers featuring the Columbine flower, Colorado's state flower, welcome guests for dining and fun. The Dining Hall has seating for 770 guests and is surrounded by 12 food retailers including Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Subway and Paradise Bakery & Cafe. The entertainment district also includes Sam Goody music store. A powerhouse lineup of full-service restaurants, including P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Z’Tejas, Champps Americana, Crocodile Cafe, Earl's Steakhouse and Red Robin helps define the entertainment zone.
If more relaxed sit-down dining beckons, visitors try California Cafe, where the menus aren't printed until the chef decides what to prepare that day. Italian-style family table dinners are served at Bella Ristorante and the intimate setting of the Nordstrom Pub provides a quiet dimly lit getaway. In addition, you can enjoy a sports bar atmosphere with freshly brewed beer from Alcatraz Brewing Company.
Park Meadows captures the beauty and lifestyle that is a Colorado tradition with its collection of world-class shops and restaurants, vignettes of comfortable seating and over $2 million worth of artwork featuring paintings and photography by Colorado artists. In addition, the snow-capped Rocky Mountains provide the backdrop for Park Meadows, offering breathtaking views from many of the open atrium areas.
Park Meadows is home to Nordstrom, Dillard's, Foley’s, JCPenney and Lord & Taylor as well as a collection of over 130 of the finest specialty shops, restaurants, carts and kiosks. Crate & Barrel, J.Crew, Eddie Bauer, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Lauren Brooks, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids are among the collection of fine retailers found at the shopping center.
The mission for Park Meadows is to provide its customers with the ultimate shopping experience. The center sets out to do this through its exclusive services such as valet parking, electronic concierge and the Premier Shopper Club. The Premier Shopper is designed to make every shopping trip a pleasure. The club offers members special benefits and savings at Park Meadows. Membership is complimentary and includes a valuable coupon book and special gift-with-purchase offers. In addition, members receive free seasonal gift wrap and shopping bags, fabulous savings, free local calls and complimentary stroller checkout.
Considered an anchor for the Douglas County economy and community, Park Meadows established its presence in one of the country's fastest-growing counties. With its strategic location on two of Denver's major thoroughfares, Interstate 25 and C-470, Park Meadows will maintain its stature throughout the rapid growth of the surrounding community.
In 1998 the Urban Land Institute (ULI) honored Park Meadows with its Award of Excellence, the most prestigious national award for architectural design excellence. According to the ULI jury, "Emphasizing large stores and themed areas that simplify shopping, Park Meadows provides a model of leasing success for contemporary shopping centers. With its lodge atmosphere and extensive conveniences and amenities, it is an outstanding model for retail that also entertains."
Park Meadows, "Colorado's Only Retail Resort," offers a lifestyle shopping venue, warm architecture and a spectacular setting that welcomes customers with timeless Colorado hospitality.
