AMHERST, N.Y. – The Town of Amherst’s first look at what the shopping center will look like next to the Whole Foods at Sheridan and Eggert shows six buildings, a green space, crosswalks and ample parking.
The six buildings, which would each have several storefront spaces, center around nearly 6,000 feet of artificial green space for community gatherings in the spring and summer that could convert into an ice skating rink in the winter.
"It's really more than a lifestyle center per se. It's much more of a experiential center where it's a combination of uses that people are looking for,” Andrew Manning from WS Development Associates said.
It's different from but has parallels with the lifestyle center at the Eastern Hills Mall, which will include housing.
Both focus on walkability, aesthetics, and having more to do than just shop.
The town planning board encouraged WS Associates to consider a residential portion of the complex for a possible third phase of construction.
"Our approach is to engage with that and being those people in and create another opportunity to use those different channels,” Manning said.
The development company said asbestos abatement is already underway at the 65-year-old property, and demolition of the vacant strip mall could begin this spring or summer, pending board approval for its “unified development” plan.
L.L. Bean, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, and Pottery Barn are all still confirmed for the new shopping center, but WS Development wouldn't comment on any other potential tenants.