A former K-Mart store in Topeka, KS is seeing new life at the Wanamaker Hills Shopping Center. Once an empty building that blighted Topeka's main shopping street, the former K-Mart building is now home to retailers Ulta, Old Navy, DSW, Five Below and Petco. Darland completed the more than 108,000-square-foot project on time and more than six percent under the client's budget.

Indiana-based developer, Equity Investment Group (EIG) bought the nearly 270,000-square-foot development in 2014. They chose Darland for this project based on experience with major retail remodels and familiarity with construction in Kansas. Darland completed the shell renovation as well as interiors for three of the center's five tenants.

The project presented several challenges. Creating a separate entrance for each tenant meant the entire face of the building would need to be removed and replaced. "A majority of the building's front was comprised of load-bearing masonry," said project manager Mike Thomsen. "We installed shoring to support the load throughout construction." Darland also worked to minimize disruptions to nearby Hobby Lobby, Bed, Bath & Beyond and an adjoining Slumberland Furniture store, all of which remained open throughout construction.

Darland worked with the developer, architects, tenants and subcontractors to ensure national-brand standards were met-inside and out. "We know from experience that these types of retail clients have exacting standards to ensure consistency and we do a good job of delivering on that," Thomsen said.