REI OUTLET, ANCHORAGE

REI provides Alaskan outdoor enthusiasts with top-brand gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, skiing, snowboarding, and more. With the relocation of their store to an existing mall, we worked with them fully renovate their site with a high level of focus on the spaces at their building entries and a design that reflected their culture. The northern entrance included a large open plaza area, with a pathway extending along the face of the building nestled within extensive plantings and benches. The design buffers the front of the building from the parking lot and encourages pedestrian circulation in and out at critical locations. Concrete pavement and pathways use angular jointing to reflect geology, native plantings provide a feeling of Alaska, and numerous Alaskan yellow cedar benches surround the spaces. The plaza at the south of the building is smaller, including plantings, seating, and a bicycle repair station. The design intends to provide some separation from vehicle areas, creating the opportunity for a bit of calm.

Location: Anchorage

Client: Recreational Equipment, Inc.

Components: Site and Landscape Design, custom furnishings, T21 ordinance