VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crews have begun the next phase of redevelopment in Pembroke Square, starting with a major demolition.
Work began on Monday to tear down the roof and main columns of the former Pembroke Mall.
"We heard on the news this morning that they were starting the actual demolition," Elizabeth Dixon, who grew up in Virginia Beach, said. "We thought we'd drive over just to see it and say well that's the end of an era."
The first section to be torn into was the entrance facing Constitution Dr. in between Target and Kohl's.
"It's a little upsetting because it's a part of my past but I understand why its happening because malls are kind of going out of favor," Dixon said.
WATCH: Crews begin tearing down Pembroke Mall
"That was a little more emotional than I thought it would be actually," Ramsay Smith, with Pembroke Realty Group, said. "I was excited about today because it just signals progress."
Smith said over the last few months work has been done to get ready to detach portions of the building from the outside retail stores and restaurants.
"By the end of the week the main little line that you saw earlier over to Rack Room will be out," Smith said. "This is about a three to four-month-long process. We have to cut away the roof in every place before we start ripping it out."
After the demolition of the old mall, construction of a new seven-story hotel is slated to start in early 2025. The Hilton "Tempo" hotel plans to open in 2026.
The third phase of the project - new seven-story luxury apartments - is expected to be completed in 2027.
Phase one of the project includes Aviva Pembroke, a senior living facility expected to open in Winter 2024
There is some construction happening on the back section of the inside of the mall toward Nordstrom Rack for a new tenant.
No word yet on who will occupy the space but it will be used for entertainment.
The current stores at Pembroke Square - which includes Target, Fresh Market, Walgreens, and others - are staying open during construction, organizers say.
