Promenade is a case study in adaptability. In the 1980s, the structural design of the mall had to be completely revised as construction was set to start. In the 2010s, intensification efforts began to transform the surface parking lot into a mixed-use neighbourhood.

The mall was originally designed with structural steel framing, as was common for shopping centres. The price of steel, however, was skyrocketing at the time that construction was due to begin due to industry-wide issues in the steel manufacturing sector. After investigating the availability of steel inventory for the project, the decision was ultimately made — just 13 months before opening day — to construct the mall using concrete framing.

For the mall to open in the summer of 1986 as planned, the structural elements were redesigned in reinforced concrete. In the early stages of construction, updated drawings were delivered to site daily to maintain the pace of construction.