The locals in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton are well aware of the plan for a new, state of the art shopping mall that is scheduled to open on University Parkway in Ocober 2014. However, despite the buzz that this massive project has generated, there had still been speculation as to which stores would make up the $315 million, 880,000 square foot mall.
This past week, we got a bit more insight into which stores will open their doors inside of University Town Center Mall. The mall will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Dillards. Furthermore, the inerior of the mall will feature high-end retailers, such as Gucci, Kate Spade, Tiffany’s & Co., and Michael Koors, just to name a few. There will also be popular European clothing retailer H&M and familiar retailers, such as American Eagle, Abercrombie, and Hollister.
More good news came this week for those who have been craving an Apple Store in Sarasota. This is impressive news for the area, considering Apple is quite selective on where they open retail stores.
It has also been confirmed that in addition to the already planned opening of The Cheesecake Factory, that Brio Tuscan Grille will open a 7,444 restaurant inside the mall.
These new updates generate an already exciting atmosphere in the University and Lakewood Ranch area. The area is expanding and developing rapidly in terms of new homes being built, families moving in, and retailers opening their doors. University Town Center, which is located directly across from where the new mall will open. University Town Center has seen great success with Total Wine and More, Pier One, and the recently opened Nordstrom Rack.
For those who are unfamiliar with this area of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is located just east of I-75 and the souhern boundary borders University Parkway. Go west off of exit 213 of I-75 and you will find University Town Center on the north side of University Parkway and the new mall will be on the south side. This is a great area for shopping and dining, close to the highway, and a short drive to some of the best beaches in all of Florida.
To conduct your own search or to see available listings, click here to for Sarasota FL real estate for sale. For more information, to ask a question, to discuss your real estate needs, or to schedule an appointment to view property, please contact Jim Mulligan, REALTOR, 941-235-7474 or jim@suncoasteam.com.