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Istinye Park, an urban lifestyle destination designed by Baltimore-based planning and architecture design firm Development Design Group (DDG), was recently honoured with the Trade Council of Shopping Centers and Retailers of Turkey (AMPD) “Best Shopping Center Over 50,000 Square Meters” award.Chosen based on the elevated standards of ICSC, NRF, FAPRA and Eurocommerce, Istinye Park in Istanbul, Turkey is an innovative retail, dining and entertainment center that features three conceptually distinct elements—a grand central entertainment rotunda, an open-air lifestyle center and a glass-roofed indoor retail space—combined into one multifaceted omnicenter. The 880,000 sq ft (82,000 sq m) urban lifestyle environment includes retail, restaurant and entertainment venues serviced by four levels of sub-grade parking.
The selection committee for the award consisted of a roster of celebrated commercial real estate figures, including AMPD members Nuri Oral and Mehmet Tevfik Nane in coorperation with Sertac Ozinal of the Interbank Card Center, ICSC European Chapter Board Jury and AMPD board member Avi Alkas. The recognition of Istinye Park was attributed to the project’s large selection of retail brands, high-end retail stores, enjoyable open and closed public spaces, diverse customer base, the unique qualities of the bazaar, and the grandeur of the glass dome and green spaces.
“We are honored to receive such a highly coveted award from an organization as well respected and nationally renown as AMPD,” said Roy Higgs, CEO of DDG. “Istinye Park’s high-end mix of retail tenants coupled with the original, progressive design and inviting gathering spaces has set the standard for commercial real estate development in Istanbul.”
Istinye Park was recognized at the Best of Shopping Centers and Retailers of 2008 award ceremony on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.