The construction of Primrose Marketplace, a $20 million shopping center, located one block south of Battlefield Mall at Primrose and Glenstone Avenues in Springfield, Missouri, marked the arrival of a major retail “power center” in the city.

The comprehensive development plan included the sale of 39 acres to a single-family residential developer and the allocation of 63 acres for the development of a 375,000 square foot “power center”. All site development and construction services were provided, including the extension of a street and installation of storm sewers and traffic lights.

Individual tenant plans were reviewed and integrated into the master plan, which necessitated adaptations for loading docks, some exterior and interior design and the parking lot layout.
A strong functional design with basic building materials and attention to detail, provided a quality orientation. Contemporary brick detailing was woven into the fabric of the traditional building forms. Gables with distinctive arches and ornamental iron were integrated at the main entrances of the center. These became a contrast to the more simplified canopies of the secondary retailers and the shop space adjoining the anchors. The continuity of color and details, including brick paving, lighting, benches and mall accessories completed the theme.

Despite the challenges of remote project coordination, which mandated weekly on-site reviews by the project manager and daily supervision by the superintendent, and one of the wettest springs in the city’s history, the TJ Maxx anchor store was completed, as scheduled. Construction of additional anchors and shop space were also completed on time and within budget.

However, the ultimate success of this project is best measured by the “full parking lot” of the entire center…and the comments of anchors who have stated their stores in this center are the best in the entire Midwest region.