Contest set for mall name and logo

With the construction of the new multi-million Promenade Pedestrian Mall on Garapan nearing completion, a golden opportunity for the community to take part in the process presents itself.

According to the Public Information and Protocol Office, the Office of the Governor is organizing a contest for the name and logo of the mall.

“Already, the area is beautifully landscaped, the ground is covered with decorative pavings, and stone-covered pillars for glass-covered shelters are in place…adding to the overall beauty of the entire area,” the office said. “Within a matter of months, the promenade will be ready for the public’s use and enjoyment. However, there remain a couple of things that need to be secured before opening up the pedestrian mall—one is that it needs to have a name.”

Dubbed the “Name the Mall and Design a Logo Contest,” the challenge is open to anyone interested.

“We are inviting any interested parties to help give this spectacular promenade a fitting name and logo,” the office said. “The winner of the contest will be receiving a $1,000 cash prize courtesy of the Tournament of Champions Fundraiser.”

All entries must include a written explanation of the proposed name and logo for the mall and what it signifies, along with a name and contact information. All entries are required to be submitted to the Public Information and Protocol Office no later than August 2, 2004.

Earlier, Maeda Pacific Corp. general manager Tom Nielson, confirmed that the mall project, estimated to cost about $3.31 million, is ahead of schedule. Construction began on Jan. 13, 2004 and is expected to be completed by Oct. 7, 2004.

The mall project was awarded to Maeda Pacific Corp., which promised to complete the work in nine months.

Construction is currently on its third phase, which requires a change in traffic pattern along Coral Tree Avenue, or Hotel Street. One-way southbound traffic has been implemented along the entire length of the street since June 14, 2004 to give way to the construction, according to Department of Public Works project coordinator Bill Wanket.

Wanket also disclosed that another project would soon begin along Coral Tree Avenue.

Dubbed the Coral Tree Avenue Improvement Project, the construction includes adding about 80 to 100 trees and light posts similar to ones found along the Beach Road Pathway along the strip. The project also includes the construction of new sidewalks and the placing of power lines underground.

Both projects are part of the Garapan Revitalization Project, which aims to transform the image of the hotel district into a family-oriented place that tourists can frequent.

The Strategic Economic Development Council first floated the idea of renovating the Garapan area in the late 1990s as part of its tourist-related beautification program.

The mall project, which would feature a lighting system, drinking fountains, covered shelters, and public toilets, will transform the area into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities, including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment, and festivities.

The government said this project would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the government within the four-year period of the revitalization.

For more information about the contest, contact Jenn Castro at the Office of the Governor at 664-2292.