Updating the upscale

Kenilworth mall seeks reinvigoration through renovation

When Kenilworth opened in 1978, there wasn't as much shopping in the area. Shoppers then were drawn mainly to the Hochschild Kohn department store, a Baltimore retail institution that once anchored the mall. When Hochschild Kohn closed in 1987, Kenilworth lost some of its appeal.

Kenilworth Limited Partners became part owner of the mall in 1989 and bought out the rest of the partners in 1994. The new owner began an overhaul, replacing tenants typical of many strip shopping centers such as drugstores and liquor stores with higher-end boutiques. It also worked to differentiate itself from the larger malls.

Harrington said Kenilworth has succeeded by going after tenants different from those at Towson Town Center. He said Kenilworth officials saw the opportunity for improvements as Towson upgrades. The mall added a new parking deck a few years ago and will revamp the exterior of the mall by next summer.

"We needed new energy here," Harrington said. "We had gotten a little staid."

Kenilworth recently signed leases with Azura Clothing Co., a high-end clothing store in Rehoboth Beach, Del.; Fells Point Surf Co.; and Bluehouse, an eco-friendly housewares and furniture store that also has a location in Harbor East in Baltimore.

Ravyn Potts, the assistant manager at Azura, said Kenilworth was a good size for the boutique.

"We didn't want to get lost in a large mall," she said. "Here, it's easy and small."