J. Front Retailing Co., Japan’s leading retailer will start considering redevelopment of its high-end flagship store in Osaka. A 91-year old Neo-Gothic architecture designed by US-born William Merrell Vories and built by Takenaka Corp. will possibly be replaced by a new building, according to the company’s mid-term plan for 2014-2016. Details of the plan and schedule will be discussed during the term.
The Shinsaibashi District Redevelopment Project aims to enhance the store’s competitiveness by expanding the capacity in Osaka, where many rival stores are competing with each other. The plan includes renewal of the north and south wing buildings.
The eight-story main building with a 48,884m2 total floor space was built in 1922 by Osaka-based Takenaka Corp., introducing art deco design in the exterior and interior. It is named by a group of noted architects as one of the recognized architectures in Japan influenced by the modern movement in the early 20th century. (2014/04/14)