Tamagawa Takashimaya Shopping Center will undergo a major renovation from February to September 2014, with the completion of the second phase of the Futako Tamagawa East District Redevelopment Project scheduled for 2015 in mind.
The new wing, "Ivy Place," will open on March 8th. Ron Herman, which has relocated from the first floor of the South Building, will occupy all four floors, from the first basement to the third floor, and will open as the store's largest store in Japan. The store will offer fashion, a cafe, and a treatment salon to appeal to a wide range of generations. The exterior will feature the brand's signature green and white, and the green exterior walls will blend in with the naturally rich Futako Tamagawa.
Approximately 10 new and renovated stores, mainly clothing stores, will open between February and April. Gap Japan's apparel shop, "BANANA REPUBLIC," will open in early February; Italian denim brand "REIGN STUDIO" and select shop "B'2nd" will open in early March; MM6 Maison Martin Margiela's first specialty store in eastern Japan will open in late March; and ESTNATION, its seventh store in Japan, will open in late April or early May.
The main building's rooftop garden, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of the site, has also been renovated with a "kids' garden" theme. The play space will be covered with natural grass like a hill, connected to the higher ground by a gentle slope. Environmental considerations have been taken into account with the addition of a wooden deck and pergola (wooden sunshade), making the rooftop garden a relaxing space for everyone, from families with children to seniors. The unveiling is scheduled for March 1st, with the lawn opening scheduled for April 1st.
The exterior walls of the main building will also be renovated next summer with a design supervised by architect Kengo Kuma. Wood-patterned panels and wall greenery will help the building harmonize with its surroundings, and the exterior, which is currently unified in light blue, will be changed to a wood-like finish, allowing the design to blend in with the town of Futako Tamagawa. The unveiling is scheduled for September 1st.
