Westchester’s Ridge Hill is an exciting new regional residential/shopping destination located along the Sprain Brook Parkway in Yonkers, NY. The project includes 120,774 square meters (1.3 million square feet) of national retail merchant space. The development also includes 7,000 parking spaces - 5,000 of which are located in parking garages spaced at intervals across the project.

The project encompasses 13 separate retail structures, including a 12-screen movie theater and a 13,935 square meter (150,000-square feet) existing office building that was converted into retail at the ground floor. The complex’s structural system is typically steel-frame construction accommodating a variety of external building envelopes the majority being precast concrete and precast concrete with brick veneer. Five precast concrete parking garage structures, from five to seven stories, provide 4,600 spaces for parking.

Ridge Hill’s architecture blends masonry and stone characteristics of Westchester with contemporary glass and steel. Buildings are varied in scale and fenestration, providing bridges, overlooks, second-floor promenades, and articulated facades to create an arresting series of pedestrian experiences. Colorful awnings, banners, flags, and signage add to the active streetscape.

The design is intended to promote a village-like atmosphere but with a contemporary feel through the use of a variety of materials to add texture and liveliness to the streetscape and public areas. The project was built in three phases with construction starting in 2008 and ending in 2011.

The biggest challenge for the precaster was to apply the thin brick in the correct sequence to create the eclectic final look. There were different brick patterns on the precast concrete panels with various colours. A total of over 1100 precast concrete architectural panels were produced, for over 9,200 square metres (100,000 square-feet) of cladding. Thin bricks were applied on a unique form liner (designed for each model of panels) which the BPDL team created.

The Westchester's Ridge Hill shopping complex opened its doors in October 2011 and still offers shoppers an eclectic mix of specialty boutiques, national retailers, tempting restaurants and engaging entertainment venues. The charming architecture and inviting amenities add to the anticipation of an exciting shopping experience.