Talk Story #61 – Grand Opening & Blessing for Ala Moana Center’s New Center Stage & Mauka Shops

Progress at work. Kama’ainas (long time residents), new owners, and visitors alike have been steadfastly waiting and watching the changes happening in the Kaka’ako and Ala Moana areas between the city of Honolulu and exciting Waikiki.

The Ala Moana Remodeling Project

Considered one of the world’s largest outdoor shopping centers, General Growth Properties, owner of this fabulous Ala Moana Center, has been in process of an extensive remodeling project.

Chinese Lions on the Ala Moana Center Stage

It will be a multi-level 650,000 square foot expansion including the opening of a 167,000 square foot Bloomingdale’s department store, additional dining, and large format retailers. 

On November 16th, a long awaited section of the ground level mauka (mountain side) entrance was beautifully remodeled with a brand new Center Court Stage and adjacent new shops.

Lions and the happy crowd

The Hawaiian tradition of a Blessing and maile lei cutting at each of the newly remodeled stores was enthusiastically received as the drums beat and Chinese lions gathered to dance and celebrate.

Improved (& Needed) Parking

Expected completion is in 2015 with a planned 200,000 square feet of inline retailers and the much needed inclusion of more than 1,000 parking spaces.

Nov. 25, 2013 demolition and new construction in process

This necessary element and demand for parking is currently under construction by adding several more floors on the Mauka/Ewa Parking Structure. As noted in the photos, it will make up the difference from one whole section of parking, which was adjacent to the steadily disappearing Sears building. 

I walked up to the 4th level of the current parking location, which has been partially closed for construction. A new concrete ramp is up to a 5th floor so far. I leaned over to see across the street and down below at the rubble which was once Sears.

Rubble of what was once the Sears building

Condos with Great Proximity to Honolulu Amenities

Meanwhile, as I have mentioned before in previous blogs (such as Talk Story #48, #52, #53, #55), the surrounding high rise condominiums continue to gain in value for their wonderful proximity to just about everything – within walking distance or a quick bus ride to the amenities, which abound everywhere – The Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island, Fireworks from the Hilton, Ward Center, and its new stores and upgraded areas.

Let’s Talk Story! – Contact an Oahu Condo Specialist

If you’re wanting a lifestyle which includes ease of retirement but still desiring lots of ‘action,’ this is the location to call and ask me about. Let’s “Talk Story” (a casual conversation of the days activities or happenings) over your needs and desires, your timing, and other parameters.

Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers is here for you! The sales price to listing price continues to be at a high percentage, inventory is not high in the prime areas of Oahu for this is, indeed, an island with high density and the demand continues. Please don’t delay if 2014 is the goal year for living on Oahu in Hawaii! I look forward to hearing from you!

With warm Aloha, 

Jeanne@HawaiiLife.com