Woodland sets table for food court

Source: The Grand Rapids Press
KENTWOOD - Woodland Shopping Center has started work on a new food court in the former Gantos store, across from the JCPenney store.

Designed to accommodate at least eight food vendors, the "Cafes In The Woods" will have seating for nearly 600 people.

The change is expected to begin this spring when the outside entrance to the mall between Penney's and the now-vacant Gantos store is closed and redeveloped for a portion of the food court. The court also will take up the space vacated by Gantos.

Mall manager Michael McAndrews said the project will move ahead, once some "internal agreements" are secured but would not be more specific. The goal is to have the project completed by the Christmas season.

Regardless, Woodland merchants are delighted with the idea and hope the food court will keep customers shopping longer - especially at Christmas. They said the long corridor between Penney's and Gantos has been wasted space for too many years.

There are a few restaurants and food booths scattered throughout the mall, but something more is needed, some merchants said.

"We like the idea and have been itching for a food court for years," said Bill Olson, manager of Fox's Jewelers, at the center of the mall. "There will be more variety and in a centralized location, which will keep people in the mall instead of them leaving to get something to eat elsewhere."

Mall merchants have not been told what food vendors will occupy the new court. McAndrews said he expects to release more information soon.

Plans for the project were recently laid out in schematic drawings drawn up by JPRA Architects of Farmington Hills and presented to the Kentwood Planning Department. The Cafes In The Woods is designed to provide a collection of "nature, architecture, sculpture and natural materials all working together to form an environment.

"Green trees, stone floors, nature inspired sculptural art elements, colors of the daytime sky, spot lights dotting the ceiling much like a starry night all pull together with architectural detail derived from the natural form of a leaf.

"This respite is designed to be a grand cafe that communicates simplicity and comfort. That is the approach to the spirit of the design."

The new look also will affect the outside of the mall where additional landscaping and a new entry are designed to enhance the food court area.

Woodland, now 33 years old, underwent a complete renovation and face-lift in 1998. New floors, lighting and ceilings were added to update the mall and bring in more natural light. An attractive central court was added to the hub of the mall, and a children's play area has become a favorite stop for youngsters.

Outside entrances also were enhanced with canopies and lighting. The food court also initially was proposed as part of the total mall renovation at that time but was never started.

In 1997, the mall also announced plans to add a Lord & Taylor store as part of the overall $45 million expansion and renovation project. The Lord & Taylor store development was blocked, however, when mall anchor Hudson's vetoed the additional competition.

In addition to Penney's, Woodland is anchored by Hudson's and Sears. There are more than 120 other retailers.

Woodland is owned by the Taubman Co. of Bloomfield Hills.
Source: The Grand Rapids Press