Prime Makeover Slated for Outlets

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting the Prime Outlets in Orlando is about to undergo a $150 million makeover that will change the shopping center's appearance as it creates new room for stores and restaurants.
Prime Retail, which manages the sprawling International Drive outlet center, expects to sign leases with more than 80 new stores, including a Neiman Marcus outlet. :woot:
The revamped center will cover more than 943,000 square feet of shopping,restaurants and entertainment.
"We want to change this from a marginal to an exceptional shopping experience" Prime Retail President Bob Brvenik said. "The center has a stunning presence at the place where The Florida Turnpike and I 4 meet"
Brvenik went on to say the plans call for a complete reconfiguration of the Outlet World portion of the complex. They plan to combine the shopping complex's two enclosed malls into a single, mostly open air shopping center. It will have a "racetrack" layout, with shops dotting a generally circular arcade. Work is expected to begin on the project in 2 weeks.
During the makeover, which would take 18-24 months, tenants will be relocated to accomodate construction.

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: Let the shopping begin!! :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Robin]

Right now Mall 1 and 2 are two separate building that have parking lots and a 'river' between them. It would be nice not to have to drive from mall to mall. I wonder if they consider the 'race track' where stores go around a central parking area?

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

From reading the article, it sounds as though Malls 1 and 2 will be leveled.
I like the open air concept and the fact that there will be a lot of choices on where to shop now.

[WillCAD]

Actually, I heard that one of the two main mall buildings was closed a few weeks ago to begin the rehab. One of the two Disney outlets has been closed for a few weeks because of this.

I had not heard the extent of the makeover. The outdoor concept is a lot cheaper for management, since they don't have to air condition the common areas, but for my money it's a lot less comfy for the shoppers. Ever wander the Orlando Premium Outlets in 85-degree heat? It's a frying pan!

[Robin]

If the stores all end up in a loop around the parking lot (similiar to the setup I've seen in a lot of other outlet malls including the LBV mall). With this setup, you can actually see the stores and (hopefully) park near the ones you want to shop. When stores are close together, it's not to hard to hop from one to the other. To get to stores on the other side of the parking lot, you'd want to drive over.

This configuration will probably give them more space for stores, since they won't need two separate parking lots. It seems they'll demolish Mall 2 (the one on the far left) first, then move everyone over there, while the demolish Mall 1.

According to a CM in the current Disney outlet, they'll be move 'back' to the other side after the renovations, and to a bigger store.

Linda and I may just have to monitor this situation first hand. :peri:

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

Linda and I may just have to monitor this situation first hand. :peri:

:rofl:

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

I had not heard the extent of the makeover. The outdoor concept is a lot cheaper for management, since they don't have to air condition the common areas, but for my money it's a lot less comfy for the shoppers. Ever wander the Orlando Premium Outlets in 85-degree heat? It's a frying pan!

Actually, it's not too bad Will. There are canopies and loads of outdoor ceiling fans so even on a really warm day it doesnt seem to bad.

[Robin]

I stopped by yesterday to see what the Disney outlet there had. I was suprised to see the Universal Store had closed, with no sign stating if it opened elsewhere. :o Quite a few stores are closed in the remaining of the two main malls (I forget if the ' + ' shaped mall is 1 or 2.)

BTW, the Disney outlet had a few things from the Flower and Garden show (like the overpriced topiary beanies) and quite a bit of DCL merchandise with 2005 (cups, beach towel, photo albums).

[Robin]

I went by the Mall yesterday and got an update.

Currently only Mall 2 being torn down (furthest mall on the left). Once that mall is completed the stores in Mall 1 (including the Disney Store) will move over to the new site. I presume at that point they'll tear down Mall 1 (the + shaped mall).

Prime 1 (Belz) currently has something like 5 malls. I visited the Designer Mall yesterday, and discovered there is a whole section in the back...and it's not all 'upscale' stores. It has the stores around the parking lot design that I like. It lets me drive around, see what stores are there, then park right near where I want to shop. Kitchen Collection has moved over there.

The Annex (across International from Mall 1, now has a Under Armour outlet, and London Fog is closing.

Some of the stores in Mall 1 have moved out, thinking that there won't be enough traffic during construction. Universal's outlet is closed, but I was told by Guest Services they have left the option open to come back when the new mall opens. I also put in a request for one of my favorites ...the Corning Revere outlet. :peri:

I'm hoping they'll make at least most of the stores in one parking area. There are currently 4 different 'malls', and that's counting all the Annex's as one.