Malls may have been deemed as essential, but their operations have been hampered when the pandemic’s community quarantines came into effect. As a place where Filipinos liked to leisurely gather and cool off with air-conditioning, the current mall designs do not exactly fit the protocols connected with the pandemic. Movements inside the malls have been limited, and even favorite leisure activities such as dining at restaurant outlets have been restricted to accommodate a few customers at a time. The current protocols call for physical distancing, good ventilation, and when possible, limiting the capacity of a venue.

The Versailles Town Plaza or VTP, which just had its ground-breaking ceremony last September 17, takes all of these considerations into account in its design. The commercial complex, which is located along Daang Hari Road across Ayala Alabang Village’s Champaca gate will open 2nd half of 2024 to serve the residents of the upscale Versailles Alabang Village of State Properties and its nearby communities.

(L-R)       State Properties Corporation (SPC) VP Mr. Emmanuel Plan, Arch Haus Asia Consultants Inc. Arch Marlo Jesus B. Asinas, SPC EVP Ms. Mary Maquilan, Bgy. Chairwoman Mirajon DP Alovera, Kagawad Jojo Alovera, SPC SVP Engr. Philip C. K. Ong, SPC VP Ms. Carol Chan 

Future Forward

As it was being planned during this pandemic situation, it already has provisions to keep its shoppers safe within its wide open and green spaces. Arch Haus designed the modern Mediterranean-themed building with convenience and accessibility in mind. Unlike other malls that rely on their air-conditioning for ventilation, Versailles Town Plaza has large windows all over the complex that can let the fresh air in. An alfresco area is also dedicated for its F&B pods that will be located right outside the entrance of the town plaza. “This will offer the customers convenience and safety, so they can easily satisfy their food cravings on the go, ” explains State Properties Executive Vice President Mary Maquilan.

SPC EVP Ms. Mary Maquilan

The commercial center is also designed in a way that it is focused on the necessities of the community, which will soon include a mixed-use township also to be developed by State Properties. Aside from F&B outlets, among the targeted locators will be a supermarket, a bank, a laundry service, a fitness center, a beauty salon, and a health clinic. “We want to be able to answer their needs without them having to drive out too far for their shopping or other services,” Maquilan says.

State Properties Corporation (SPC) SVP Engr. Philip C. K. Ong

The roof terrace level will have an events venue, that will also be managed by the developer whose palatial Versailles Clubhouse has been a popular venue for many milestone celebrations. “Versailles Town Plaza will bet the place that people nearby will think first when they want to dine-out, to eat good food, to buy something or just looking for a place to relax,” she adds.

Almanza Dos Barangay Chairman Mirajon DP Alovera

Present at the event was Almanza Dos Barangay Chairman Mirajon DP Alovera , who thanked the developer for adding employment opportunities to the community for both construction work and eventually for its retail workers. Maquilan shares, “When we conceptualized this project, we also have in our mind our corporate social responsibilities. Beginning at the time of construction, there will be business and employment opportunities for people in Las Pinas and nearby cities and municipalities; not to mention of course the additional tax collections for the local and national government. At State Properties, we are building the future for all with progress in mind.”