2. THE EXPERIENCE OF SUCCESSFUL PLACES
Urban Labs was formed in 2001 by Jack Illes and Brian Church
AIA/CDS to focus on mixed-use projects that serve as the centers
of their communities. Utilizing their unique set of past
experiences - combining property management and leasing with
planning, design, and development - Urban Labs produces
uniquely market-driven project designs. Their specific expertise
helps expedite the design and development of a successful
mixed-use projects - from the initial site assessment, through
planning and design, to opening day and through project
stabilization.
3. NORTH AMERICA AND THE WORLD
Urban Labs began in 1997 as the Strategic Design department
of what is today Trizec Properties - then a rapidly expanding
real estate firm with international assets ranging from the CN
Tower in Toronto to the Sears Tower in Chicago.
As the Strategic Design department, the Urban Labs principals
were responsible for the initial assessment of, and planning
strategies for, prospective development opportunities in North
America and internationally.
Urban Labs expertise was developed through the creation of
development strategies and initial mixed-use design concepts
for over $1 billion worth of development activity at locations
around the world.
4. TENANT DRIVEN, MARKET FOCUSED PLACES
For projects large and small, the unique character and market
dynamics of each community are carefully considered. Building
on these unique characteristics can add value, help preclude
competition, and attract patrons seeking more than just the lowest
prices. These desirable consumers require high quality
experiences, and the higher quality environments, that demand
more carefully considered design efforts. The principal’s working
knowledge of the marketing, leasing and management dynamic
serves Urban Labs and its clients well during the design of new
mixed-use developments.
5. THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
Based on expertise earned through the development of
multiple large-scale regional mixed-use projects, starting
with Ernie Hahn’s pioneering Horton Plaza redevelopment
in San Diego, Urban Labs has evolved with the
development industry’s move toward more sophisticated
mixed-use urban place-making.
Urban Labs has been at the forefront of industry
innovations such as housing combined with retail,
entertainment, electronic media in the public realm, and
the creation of a context-based sense of place.
6. Overview:
In 2002, Urban Labs was asked to create a real estate
development strategy for the 18 acre Waikiki holdings of The
Queen Emma Foundation, after a previous 2-year design and
planning effort with local architects and retail consultants was
rejected by their Board of Trustees
Market Challenges:
1. Two competitive renovation/redevelopment
projects in immediate market area
2. Difficult entitlement process
3. Retail component to serve as catalyst
for redevelopment of surrounding
Queen Emma Foundation properties
PROJECT IN PROGRESS:
KALUAOKAU
THE QUEEN EMMA FOUNDATION WAIKIKI PROPERTIES
7. PROJECT CONCEPT:
Based on extensive research, Urban Labs developed a concept to bring residents and
visitors together at a new Waikiki gathering place, to be located at the famous
International Market Place. Urban Labs is the Design Architect for the project, which
showcases the unique local culture and heritage. The design is intended to enliven the
historic meaning of Waikiki for new generations through:
• Design
• Landscape
• Historic and cultural references
• Building elements
• Retail and restaurant tenants
• Live entertainment
• Events and celebrations
international market place
8. A PLACE TO REMEMBER: BUILDING A PLACE THAT IS A BRAND
The Gathering Place
Create a Waikiki gathering place or civic square that serves
as the functional “heart of Waikiki” for both locals and
tourists
The World’s Most Famous Brand
Incorporate the signature Hawaiian cultural elements that
contribute to Hawaii’s brand status
A Break from the Everyday
Capitalize on the desire of visitor, and perhaps locals,
for fantasy and experimentation
An Icon Reborn
Capitalize on half century of equity in existing International
Market Place identity- “It’s just like I remember.”
10. URBAN LABS PROFILES
Brian Church
AIA/CDS
Jack Illes
Managing Partner
Jack Illes, Managing Partner, began his real estate career at R&B Properties as a
Property Manager for corporate housing complexes in the Silicon Valley and San
Francisco. His first retail leasing assignment was in 1984 with the Ernest Hahn Co. in
downtown San Diego at Horton Plaza, then under development. His responsibilities
successively evolved from leasing in to design and development roles and included
projects such as Prudential Center in Boston, Park Meadows in Denver, The Fashion
Show in Las Vegas, and the World Trade Center redevelopments in Mexico City and
New York, amongst many others across the United States. Internationally, for Trizec
Hahn, Jack was involved in a global expansion that included projects completed in
Budapest Hungary. Jack has an B.S in Urban Land Management from the University
of Southern California.
Brian Church is an architect and designer with diverse experience in urban design,
planning and development. His design work covers restaurants, hotels, office buildings
and retail developments ranging from stand-alone stores to regional shopping centers,
as well as luxury custom homes and multi-family lofts and adaptive reuse projects. In
addition to his architectural expertise, Brian is accomplished in mediums including
drawing and digital graphics, so that he can quickly and effectively evaluate,
conceptualize and illustrate the wide range of uses, tenants and building types
encountered in the mixed-use urban environment. Brian received his Bachelor of
Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo
and has lived and worked in San Diego since 1989.
