Aloha Tower Marketplace
The Aloha Tower Marketplace is an open-air mixed-use complex in Honolulu, Hawaii. It opened in 1994 as a festival marketplace. Located at the Honolulu Harbor, the Aloha Tower Marketplace includes several national historic landmarks including the Aloha Tower, Falls of Clyde and Hawaii Maritime Center.
History
Pre-construction and development
Governor George Ariyoshi first proposed a revitalization of the Honolulu waterfront to replace industrial harbor activities with a world trade center and public spaces. The Hawaii State Legislature created the Aloha Tower Development Corporation. This state agency was tasked with overseeing the redevelopment of a 13-acre site between Piers 8 and 11 to strengthen international trade and beautify the area.Failed development proposals
Before the 1994 project succeeded, two other developers were selected but ultimately failed to proceed. Southern Pacific Development Co. was hired as the developer in 1983, but withdrew from the project in 1984. Honolulu Waterfront Limited Partnership was selected in 1986, but involvement ended in litigation with the state.In 1989, the ATDC selected Aloha Tower Associates, a partnership that included James W. Rouse's Enterprise Development Company, the for-profit subsidiary of Enterprise Foundation, for a massive $544 million project. This would be the last festival marketplace James Rouse would ever be involved with before his death in April 1996. The original plan included two luxury condominium towers, an office tower and a 350-room hotel, a new cruise ship terminal, and 2,000 underground parking stalls.
However, by 1992, the developers faced financial difficulties and requested to build in phases. Defunct warehouses and buildings at Piers 8 and 9 were torn down to make way for the new structures.
The project was redesigned as a "festival marketplace," a concept pioneered by James Rouse. This style utilized green tile roofs, stucco arches, and open-air lanais to create a festive, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, similar to The Rouse Company's Harborplace and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
However, only the retail marketplace portion was completed. The intended office towers, hotel, and extensive underground parking were never built, a factor many experts believe contributed to the marketplace's future financial struggles.
Aloha Tower Marketplace was completed in 1994 as part of a Honolulu Harbor commercial revitalization project.
After opening
Aloha Tower Marketplace was acquired by Aloha Tower LP in 1998.In 2002, Aloha Tower LP filed for bankruptcy. It had been operating at a loss because of its distance from other tourist areas, lack of parking, and mismanagement. The bankruptcy led to the reorganization of shops in the marketplace.
The museum at the Falls of Clyde focused on historic sailing and Polynesian sailing customs. Occasionally, outrigger canoes were displayed at the Hawaii Maritime Center as well. The museum closed May 1, 2009, due to lack of revenue.