HPU plan worth consideration

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 24, 2012

~~<p>The Tower District — as it will be called, assuming it's redeveloped as planned — surrounds Hono-lulu's iconic Aloha Tower, right on the waterfront. Decades ago it was viewed as a diamond in the rough, but success has eluded those who have attempted to polish it up. Aloha Tower Marketplace, the retail complex there now, has struggled for years.</p>
<p>Now there's an intriguing prospect of a complete overhaul, repurposing the center as a mix of retail with Hawaii Pacific University campus amenities, classrooms and dormitory space. The $32 million plan would yield dorms for 320 HPU students on the second floor of the existing retail center, as well as a sports and entertainment venue in the Pier 10 building and a faculty club and alumni center at the former site of the Hawaii Maritime Center.</p>
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The Tower District — as it will be called, assuming it's redeveloped as planned — surrounds Hono-lulu's iconic Aloha Tower, right on the waterfront. Decades ago it was viewed as a diamond in the rough, but success has eluded those who have attempted to polish it up. Aloha Tower Marketplace, the retail complex there now, has struggled for years.

Now there's an intriguing prospect of a complete overhaul, repurposing the center as a mix of retail with Hawaii Pacific University campus amenities, classrooms and dormitory space. The $32 million plan would yield dorms for 320 HPU students on the second floor of the existing retail center, as well as a sports and entertainment venue in the Pier 10 building and a faculty club and alumni center at the former site of the Hawaii Maritime Center. Login for more...