On April 2, J. Front Retailing, Mori Building, L Real Estate, and Sumitomo Corporation announced that they will open one of the largest commercial facilities in the Ginza area in March 2016 on the site of the former Matsuzakaya Ginza store, which closed in June 2013, and the surrounding area.
The facility will consist of a commercial zone with a sales floor area of approximately 46,000 square meters, a large-scale office with a standard floor area of approximately 6,100 square meters, and the Kanze Noh Theater, a cultural and exchange facility. Based on the concept of "Life At Its Best - the most fulfilling life," the facility will attract approximately 250 to 300 tenants, including luxury brands, fashion, lifestyle, restaurants, and cafes. Architect Yoshio Taniguchi will oversee the design, with the detailed design being handled by the Ginza 6-Chome District Urban Redevelopment Planning and Design Consortium, comprised of Kajima Corporation and Taniguchi Architects. The approximately 115-meter exterior facing Chuo-dori avenue will maintain continuity with the existing streetscape, while the four-story atrium interior will be a comfortable space bathed in natural light from above. A safe and comfortable transportation and pedestrian network will be expanded with the construction of an underground passageway directly connecting the Ginza subway station, a 24-hour through passageway with separate pedestrian and vehicle access, and a pedestrian-only passageway connecting Chuo-dori and Mihara-dori avenues. In addition to high earthquake resistance, the building will be equipped with emergency power generation facilities, and the Kanze Noh Theater, located underground, will be used as a temporary shelter for those stranded at the end of their commute. The building will also incorporate cutting-edge environmental technology, contributing to the local community through the installation of district heating and cooling facilities and rainwater storage tanks. Measures to reduce the building's thermal load and energy-saving systems will also be introduced to help curb global warming.
