A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Aloha Tower Market Place, signifying the start of Hawaii Pacific University's $40 million renovation plan for the struggling retail complex at Honolulu Harbor. HPU plans to build a dormitory facility for 300 students, additional classrooms, a college bookstore, as well as additional restaurants and retailers. The school anticipates that all of the construction work will be completed in 2015 to coincide with the university's 50th anniversary. Geoffrey Bannister, HPU President, stated, "We are really on the way to revitalizing this area. Hawai'i Pacific University is invested in strengthening the Hawaii community, providing an exceptional educational experience for our students, and bringing new life and vitality to this much-beloved landmark."
It is projected that this renovation project will create 200 construction jobs and between 200 and 250 permanent jobs once completed. Governor Neil Abercrombie stated, "I know this is the beginning of a spectacular rise not only in the educational offerings but in the revitalization of the entire urban core of Honolulu." Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell added, "Shortly there's going to be new life here. I see nothing but good in all of this."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-19-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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