Between 1987 and 2000 Mr. Amenta was the managing partner and development director of this 175,000 square foot shopping component of an 86-acre, 1.0 million square foot mixed-used development which includes in 275,000 square feet of total shopping, a 165 room hotel, day-care center and 600,000 square feet of office space. The Shops at Somerset Square are credited as being the first "lifestyle center" to be designed and constructed in Connecticut.

Mr. Amenta was also a partner in the total development, directing the master planning by Sasaki Associates and office building design by SOM. The master plan contained

architectural design guidelines and controls in addition to land-use allocation. Mr. Amenta originated the merchandising concept and architectural configuration for the Shops, working with the architect Robert A.M. Stern with whom he was then collaborating on the planning of Grand Harbor a 300-acre resort in Vero Beach, FL.

Among the principal national retail tenants at the Shops are Talbots, Jos. A. Bank, Gymboree, Ann Taylor, Chico's, White House/Black Market, Smith & Hawken and Barnes & Noble. Office tenants include Barkley's American Business Credit, CIGNA and Aetna Life Insurance Company.

 

Client: Keith Corporation
Architects: Robertn A.M. Stern