Metro PlazaWhen the Pener brothers bought the Metro Plaza at 1616 E 63rd Street in 2008, they were determined to redevelop it so that it sparkled. “Our family has been in Southtown for more than forty years so we really care about this area,” says Barry Pener. He and his brother David, who operate Harold Pener Men’s Wear, have been working on the 6.2 million dollar project for four years. “Since day one we had plans to renovate the shopping center. It was part of a TIF (Tax Incremented Financing) project and it took us two years to go through the legal process, finding financing, and then do actual construction,” Barry stated.
The Metro Plaza buildings were entirely stripped, gutted, and rebuilt. New facades, roofs, store fronts, and interiors give the buildings a new look while landscaping and sidewalks make the plaza walkable and more appealing. The existing Thriftway has followed suit and updated its freezer systems, displays, flooring, and storefront. “Green” highlights in the plaza include bright and energy saving LED parking lights. The parking lot medians will also act as rain gardens which help mitigate demands on the city’s storm water system.
Many thanks to the Peners for their investment in the people and businesses on 63rd street!