University Park Mall

Mishawaka, Indiana

 

Kevin K. Parsons & Associates inc. are the Landscape Architects for this 100,000 square-foot open-air lifestyle addition to University Park Mall in Mishawaka, Indiana. The mall additions feature several new restaurants and a mix of small-shop and big-box retailers. The vision of the lifestyle development was to incorporate a “small town sense of place” with an old storefront type of architecture, while reflecting the manufacturing industry heritage in style and detail. Garden-like landscape is intended to soften buildings and hardscape while making for an enjoyable arrival to the stores and main entrance. The hardscape improvements include a large focal water feature centrally located at the base of the iconic entry tower. A fire pit gathering space, outdoor dining patios, raised planters and seat-walls were also incorporated within the design. An enclosed entrance atrium that connects the lush outdoor plantings to the existing mall corridor was developed in conjunction with the project architects. Interior paving patterns mimic the materials and styles of the extensive hardscape features outside, while indoor planters flanking the sides of the large fireplace create a cozy gathering place inside. The combination of the pavements and plantings in the atrium create a fluid connection between the indoor and outdoor shopping experience.