Lake Grove

W.PA revitalized an existing 1960’s strip mall and grocery store making way for new tenants, including local Portland-based grocery store Zupan’s Market to occupy the renovated site.

In 2009, the Bitar Family, who owned the Lake Grove Shopping Center, engaged W.PA to perform a “light touch” face lift on the existing buildings. During initial design charettes it was discovered that many of the original heavy timber beams were still intact and had been covered by canopy structures and the existing storefronts had fallen victim to deferred maintenance and disrepair.

With a bold proposition, W.PA advocated for much more than a face lift and proposed removing whole sections of the existing building. This simple move allowed for the overall site to activate from both vehicle approaches and created several “new” corners spaces which are more economically viable in retail settings. This project approach meant creating a variety of programed outdoor areas for dining, garden and flower stands, and play areas that can be used year-round by patrons of the shops. These spaces are now the front doors to many tenants and serve as the heart of the project and its offering to the community.