I mentioned recently that we're seeing an uptick in construction projects in the area. And, this is the granddaddy of 'em all: a $315 million upscale mall, called University Town Center, which is getting a lot of attention. (Construction was supposed to start during the recession, but was postponed for years…then, the plans were modified to accommodate different anchor stores.) Last week, I noticed the Macy's sign was installed and lit up -- and the mall isn't scheduled to open for another five months (on my birthday, to be exact!). Today, Crate & Barrel announced it will be a tenant. Another big name -- Apple -- also is moving in, which will be nice for me because my drive time to an Apple store will be cut by one hour. Many people are concerned about the increased traffic the mall will generate. I live nearby and I'm not overly concerned. Yet. (You can't tell from this photo, but the mall is going to be quite large.) Others fear the new mall might prompt shoppers to abandon the retail stores in downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. But, isn't a mall experience much different than being out and about in a bustling downtown? By the way, for those keeping track, this reportedly will be the only new mall to open in the U.S. in 2014.
5 comments:
I'm at the age now where I find malls boring. The ones here are mostly shoe or clothing stores. They are made for younger generations.
Meanwhile we have one here that is dying a slow death. I wish we had an Apple Store closer to me!
I will choose to be optimistic with you. If the mall is attractive and has good stores and is easy to walk around, it can be a plus for your area. Good luck. (And I will mark my calendar for October 16.)
If the stores you mention are indicative of what the mall will be like, I give it a thumbs-up. But it may well take some business away from downtown & St. Armands.
I'm seeing more "outdoor" malls these days than enclosed malls. I think the former are not going to last. Who wants to walk around in the Florida heat or the Minnesota cold to do your shopping?
Unless efforts are made to keep downtown areas active and attractive many have become ghost towns thanks to malls. They frequently can't compete with mall scale, variety, and easy parking.
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