News & Events

By Mike DeMasi – Reporter, Albany Business Review — The next phase in the redevelopment of the south end of Colonie Center could include a drive-thru coffee shop, two chain restaurants, and an emergency veterinary clinic in an area that has long been parking lots.

The 20.6-acre site on the Central Avenue side of the mall near Whole Foods and Floor & Decor would see those changes and more under plans being pursued by Heidenberg Properties Group of New Jersey.

“This location is heavily in demand,” said Robert Heidenberg, founder/managing partner. “It’s probably the best corner in the Capital Region and we’re excited to be part of it.”

Heidenberg Properties Group bought the southern portion of the 1.3 million-square-foot shopping center nearly two years ago for $28 million.

Most of the remainder of the mall is controlled by Pacific Retail Capital Partners of southern California. The company recently modified its mortgage, halting a potential foreclosure.

Heidenberg owns what was once the longstanding Sears, most of which was previously converted into Whole Foods and Floor & Decor.

Renovations are underway on the second floor of the former Sears for Fun City Adventure Park, an indoor amusement center expected to open this summer.

Heidenberg also owns the building at the corner of Wolf Road and Central Avenue leased to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and the surrounding parking.

The 1,500 parking spaces don’t get significant use except during peak shopping periods.

“Sears was in decline for many years,” Heidenberg said. “They certainly were notfocused on any development opportunities that they might have been able to take advantage of. It was really up to us to take a good look at what’s possible and start filling in those gaps.”

The first step came with the construction of a 5,200-square-foot Bank of America with a drive-thru. That’s expected to open in about two months, Heidenberg said.

The next steps are outlined in a site plan application submitted to the Colonie Planning Board by Bohler Engineering on behalf of Heidenberg:

• • An 800-square-foot coffee shop with a drive-thru on a parcel closest to Central Avenue
• • A 5,500-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru on a parcel near Bank of America
• • A 12,000-square-foot commercial building on a parcel closest to Whole Foods,including a 5,000-square-foot emergency veterinary clinic (a quick-serve chain restaurant could also be a tenant, Heidenberg said)

Leases have been negotiated. Heidenberg said he couldn’t disclose the names of the tenants yet but they aren’t new to the area.

The plans include several changes to the parking lots to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, including sidewalks, crosswalks, signs and landscaping. A high curb along the corner of the Whole Foods store will be fixed because it’s a tripping hazard, Heidenberg said.

The Colonie Planning Board is scheduled to review the project for the first time on March 10.