HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A plan to tear down Ward Centre is now in motion after Victoria Ward Limited filed last week an application for a permit to start demolition.
The request does not mention a specific start date, but says the work is expected to cost nearly $3 million.
Plans were first announced two years ago to replace the complex with two condos, along with retail businesses and a park.
For some, including Shayla Spotkaeff, Ward Centre is more than a shopping center, it is where they made cherished memories and traditions.
“When I was a kid, my two sisters and my mom, we would all go here and my mom would get baby clothes for us from Taj Clubhouse and each year, we still come back every January to get their calendar, because they make their own stamps, and then they make their own calendars too,” Spotkaeff shared.
Many want the mall to stay and are against the plan to build more condos.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen to them (businesses), but it’s just unfortunate to see all this happening to a lot of small businesses here,” shopper Simon Lee said.
Since 1982, the shopping center has hosted local eateries and small businesses.
Lately there have been community workspaces, including Kipuka, where designer Puamana Crabbe crafts Hawaiian clothing.
“It’s a second home for some people that have played here, you know, recreation wise, work wise, entertain wise, it’s been a second home for some of us,” Crabbe added.
Anchor tenant Roger Dunn Golf Hawaii announced its Ward Centre location will close Monday, July 21, and reopen at Ala Moana Center, along Kapiolani Boulevard, on Wednesday, July 23.
Store manager Nathan Yoshimoto said, “It’s a little bit sad, just to see some of these local companies having to either relocate or close down business.”
While a construction date has not been announced, there has not been much foot traffic at the mall and some tenants are cutting back hours.
“I can see how it has those aspects of being a dying mall, but there are still people who come here, there are still regulars and it’s nice to see those little bits of community, even if Ward is going to be shutting down pretty soon,” Spotkaeff added.
In a statement, Victoria Ward Limited said, “The redevelopment of Ward Centre builds on their long-term vision to create quality public spaces, and elevate the retail and commercial offerings.”
However, those at the mall now, will miss the neighborhood experience they already have.
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