Editorial: It's a brand new day for an old, tired mall

Via The Island Packet In November 1989, the popular Pineland Mall invited local kids to participate in a holiday challenge. For every pine cone the children collected, the mall would put one nickel toward the construction of a mall Christmas tree. The results overwhelmed mall owners: 80,580 pine cones were collected. And so a 10-foot tall tree made of cones was erected by the Island Recreation Department, celebrated with a tree lighting ceremony the community attended and caroling by school kids. Much has changed at the former Pineland Mall site --- later named Pineland Mill Shops and now named Pineland Station --- located at the corner of William Hilton Parkway and Mathews Drive. Some days, there seems to be more ducks than shoppers at the center. Many storefronts are vacant. Several business owners have moved out, citing Pineland Station's poor condition. And its dated appearance isn't inviting to residents or visitors. Built in 1975, it holds the dubious distinction of being one of the island's oldest shopping centers. We're pleased to see it's scheduled for a rebirth. Virginia-based Wheeler Interests announced earlier this month that it will tear down and rebuild much of the 130,000-square-foot center as part of a $20 million to $30 million renovation project. Plans include about 140,000 square feet of commercial space, including a new anchor retailer, a smaller box store, about 23 shops and a gas station. Starbucks and Stein Mart will remain. The company paid the Town of Hilton Head Island $1 million for 10 acres near Mathews Drive to create space for the makeover --- a sign that this renovation project will actually happen vs. continue to just be discussed. The renovation aligns with the town's plan to encourage refurbishment of privately owned properties. "The town is in a mode where they want the buildings upgraded. (That) is really the driver (of the renovation)," said Jonathan Guion, regional partner with Wheeler Development. We wish the developers luck. But we'd offer them a word of caution as they prep for the work: Think "Hilton Head" in all renovation decisions. As the developers of the new Shelter Cove Towne Centre recently learned, Hilton Head residents insist on adherence to an understated look that puts a priority on muted colors, tree preservation, low lighting and minimal parking. Many residents felt that Shelter Cove did not meet the community standard, voiced their concerns and wrung concessions from the developer, including more plantings and an observation deck for bird watchers. While Pineland Station is much smaller and not as centrally located as Shelter Cove, town residents will surely take note of any changes. Wheeler Interests can save itself a lot of time and stress by listening to the community from the onset. And it might be fun to revive that cone Christmas tree challenge too.