Maintaining continuity through three mayoral administrations since 2002 was another challenge for Hines, especially because of staff turnover. Much time was spent bringing the newcomers up to speed, adds Riker. Still, "we've had a very good working relationship with the office of the deputy mayor for planning and economic development and the various city agencies," he says.

The 700-ft x 295-ft first phase consists of 2.5-million sq ft of construction, including one million sq ft in a shared four-level garage and mechanical-service basement with space for 1,550 vehicles. Two Foster-designed office buildings, each 257,500 sq ft and linked by the five glass-enclosed pedestrian bridges, are nearly complete.

Foster also is the designer of the two condominium residences, which contain a total of 216 units. Two rental apartment buildings, which sit between the office and condo buildings and contain a total of 458 units, were designed by Shalom Baranes Associates. The local firm, also involved with the master plan, is the executive architect for the first phase.

The offices are substantially done. Initial occupancy for rental and condo units is in October. Their substantial completion is set for November, says Hines. The garage is on course to open in October.

The first phase includes 190,000 sq ft of street-level shops and eateries. Most stores will open next year.

Coming Soon

The second phase consists of a Hines-developed 370-room hotel with about 40,000 sq ft of retail, currently in schematic design by Herzog & de Meuron and expected to start construction in a year. Phase two also includes a 600,000-sq-ft office building with 30,000 to 40,000 sq ft of retail, developed by the local Gould Property Co. Both buildings will sit on a four-level basement connected to the phase-one basement.

YAKUBU

For Foster, known for its high-end architecture, the development is about recreating lively streetscapes. "We've always said this particular project is first about the space between the buildings, at the street level," says Foster's Yakubu. "The buildings came last."

Even so, Foster's architecture presents challenges. "You can't change one thing without affecting others," says Michael Greene, Hines' vice president of construction. "It's like unraveling a sweater."