VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Construction continues at the site of the former Pembroke Mall.

The property is now called Pembroke Square, and has reached phase two of the demolition process to make room for living spaces.

The mall’s interior was open from 1966 to 2022. Several stores are still open along the exterior of the building.

Crews began ripping off the roof and columns of the building at 10 a.m. Monday.

Courtesy: Pembroke Square
Courtesy: Pembroke Square
Courtesy: Pembroke Square
Courtesy: Pembroke Square

The demolition makes way for apartments and a hotel. A press release for the redevelopment gave the following details/timeline:

  • Phase 1: Aviva Pembroke, a senior living community. Located at the corner of Jeanne Street and Constitution Drive. It’s expected to open in the winter of 2024. 
  • Phase 2: Tempo by Hilton, a hotel. Construction is expected to start in early 2025. The hotel could open late 2026.
  • Phase 3: Luxury apartments. The redevelopment is expected to be finished by 2027.

The property’s current tenants – American Red Cross, Bahama Breeze, Coastal Edge, Decisions.com, DSW, EyeCare Optometry, J.Crew Factory, Jason’s Deli, Kohl’s, Latitude Climbing + Fitness, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, Rack Room Shoes, REI, Smokey Bones, Target, The Fresh Market, Tire Choice, Truist, and Walgreens – will remain open throughout construction and redevelopment.

Additionally, the project will include two parking garages. The city agreed to pay $24 million to help fund the garages. Ramsay Smith, president of Pembroke Realty Group, estimates the project to cost around $200 million.

Smith added, seeing the entrance to the mall get torn out was a big step in the project.

“It was a little more emotional than I thought it would be actually,” he said. “I was excited about today. But because it just signals progress. We’re looking forward to bringing in this whole re-development and re-imagining of Pembroke Square to everybody in the community.”

Through the rubble, construction workers discovered some treasure. A large teddy bear was found. One of the project leaders later cleaned it up and gave it to his daughter.