Revitalization of Somerset Collection’s south rotunda area begins

TROY — Work has begun on a renovation of Somerset Collection’s south rotunda and parking lot that mall officials say will help revitalize that portion of the mall.

The work will include an exterior makeover, a newly paved entry outside of the south rotunda, improved landscaping and lighting, and a new fine dining experience with outside seating.

“One of my favorite changes is the curb,” said Somerset Collection general manager Kate Millea. “We noticed that moms with strollers or guests in wheelchairs had a lot of trouble finding their way in. Now they will have 180 degree accessibility for them. There will be all-new beautiful landscaping and lighting, a brighter parking lot for our guests leaving in the evening and a new restaurant that will be opening in that area. … We’re getting better for you. We’re putting client experience at the forefront at this project. We hope people will come out and see the progress we’re making.”

Overall, the Troy business community seems enthusiastic about the changes and what they will mean for Somerset.

“We are very excited for Somerset Collection since they’re a big part of the city of Troy and a big draw for the community,” said Tara Tomcsik-Husak, Troy Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Beautification efforts increase that impact.”

The improvements were designed with the ongoing push to revitalize the Big Beaver corridor as a whole in mind.

“We have heard the concerns of businesses and residents of what Big Beaver looks like in its current state,” said Tomcsik-Husak. “We want to make sure it’s as good as it can be for those who live in Troy, work in Troy and do business in Troy.”

“So many new-to-market retailers have been added, so now felt like the right time,” added Millea. “This is the first major renovation the south building has had since the second level was added in 1992.”

Millea declined to speak about the cost of the project.

Work began in early June and is expected to be completed in September. As the work goes on, Millea said, they are using it as an opportunity to better show off what some of its businesses have to offer.

“Our personal styling team and interns are facilitating photo shoots highlighting our merchants,” she said. “We wanted to have some fun with this project by featuring different brands. We had one with models to feature Ralph Lauren clothing, for instance, that just went up all over the construction area.”

While this will shut down some parking during the course of the work, Millea said that guests should still have no trouble parking or entering Somerset.

“We were very thoughtful about the process. Only two entrances are being worked on, so we are trying very hard to make sure guests can still access us through the south building’s other six entrances,” she explained. “This will add parking spaces in the long term. The lot that faces Big Beaver will be closed during this time, since they are also being worked on as part of the project. The garages are all still open for the entire project, though.”

Several employees working at Somerset said this should be an overall benefit for their businesses.

“In the long run, in terms of improvements, there is a new restaurant that will be going in and a lot of outdoor seating,” said Brenna Hayman, the manager of the Coffeehaus coffee shop. “That’s really exciting for us, because that kind of seating goes well with our location, and anyone who is looking to go to an upscale restaurant here would also likely be interested in going to an upscale specialty coffee shop.”

Many other employees at Somerset agreed that the changes would be good in the long run, although some voiced their concern about the work affecting business for those located in that part of the mall. Despite that worry, most were confident the improvements would be a net benefit once work has been completed.

“Overall, our feedback has been very positive,” said Millea. “I personally went to all 40 merchants to get feedback from guests and our businesses and was so overjoyed to hear them excited it will be a great new look for Somerset. You can look right down from the skywalk to see the work. I have not had one bad thing said to me about the project.”

Tomcsik-Husak hopes this will be another step in drawing in more business, and thus more investment, to Troy.

“We’re seeing a draw for people coming to Troy,” she said. “I don’t see any negative impacts in terms of parking or accessibility issues. We’ve always kept parking as a priority. Beautification is a big push along Big Beaver Road right now. We want to portray the city of Troy as beautiful as it is as people drive by and look out their windows.”