After eight weeks of vehicles tearing into the existing building at University Place, the demolition portion of the Chapel Hill mall’s redevelopment is finishing up.

Contractors removed roughly one-third of the building, including the space formerly known for housing Southern Season, over the course of March and April. Using a variety of vehicles, workers tore down the building up to the existing AT&T store on one side and the former City Kitchen space on the other. Debris from the building space was then crushed into smaller pieces on the ground before being transported away — part of the process that is still happening this week.

The new concept for University Place’s eastern space will see the empty side of the mall building renovated for new retail storefronts, which will face Fordham Boulevard and a new green space between buildings that are set to be constructed in coming years.

“We are pleased with the progress that has been made during the demolition for this phase of University Place redevelopment,” said Ram Realty Vice President for Development Jeff Kurtz in a statement. “It is exciting to see the bones of the new storefronts along Main Street and our central lawn feature called The Commons taking shape.”

Swipe through some photos of the completed demolition site and ongoing work to clear the space for additional redevelopment.

The eastern wing of University Place is now largely gone, where Southern Season and interior mall space previously stood.
The eastern wing of University Place is now largely gone, where Southern Season and interior mall space previously stood.
The eastern wing of University Place is now largely gone, where Southern Season and interior mall space previously stood.
The eastern wing of University Place is now largely gone, where Southern Season and interior mall space previously stood.
Construction vehicles are still clearing out debris from the demolished portions of the existing University Place building.
Construction vehicles are still clearing out debris from the demolished portions of the existing University Place building.
Construction vehicles are still clearing out debris from the demolished portions of the existing University Place building.
Construction vehicles are still clearing out debris from the demolished portions of the existing University Place building.
Also in the closed off eastern portion of the mall property, workers are creating new parking lot medians and space for greenery.
Also in the closed off eastern portion of the mall property, workers are creating new parking lot medians and space for greenery.
Also in the closed off eastern portion of the mall property, workers are creating new parking lot medians and space for greenery.
Also in the closed off eastern portion of the mall property, workers are creating new parking lot medians and space for greenery.
The completed redevelopment of University Place is not expected to be finished for several years, although portions of the mall site may reopen at different times.
The completed redevelopment of University Place is not expected to be finished for several years, although portions of the mall site may reopen at different times.

Since acquiring University Place in 2018, the real estate and development company Ram Realty had its sights set on refreshing the mall property with a new layout and space for businesses. Once completed, the updated building and new additions around The Commons will have 350,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Additionally, the 900 Willow apartment complex — which is under construction on the western side of the property — will bring a residential element to the site. Two new bank buildings are also under construction by different companies.

An aerial map with the businesses and buildings planned for University Place’s completed redevelopment, circa March 2023. (Photo via Ram Realty Advisors/Foundry Commercial.)

Despite the ongoing demolition and construction around the existing mall building, all businesses at University Place remain open to patrons. Additional details on the mall’s redevelopment project can be found on its vision website here.

 

Editor’s Note: Chapel Hill Media Group is a tenant of University Place, having first moved there in 2016.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

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