Manatee and Sarasota counties celebrate the first year anniversary of their major asset, the Mall at University Town Center. This rising economic engine has even bigger promise with new development plans in the future.
UTC, one of only two enfolded malls was unveiled in 2014, the project obtained global attention for its innovative design. This year, UTC gathered acknowledgment as the "Best Retail Development, Florida" by the United Kingdom based International Property Awardsa dn is now a nominee for IPA's Americas and World Honors.
The IPA president, Stuart Shield characterized the contenders as, "These impressive projects are not only attractive to the eye, they are highly functional, eco-friendly and feature state-of-the-art technology," which is definitely the UTC.
The mall was built under the management of Benderson Development Co. with cooperation with Taubman Co. a large retail expert from Michigan. The celebration of the first anniversary signifies strong milestiones and success and this year's anticipations for higher profits during the holidays.
UTC's statistics tell a story about its success, the 73 acres, 800,000 square foot mall has department stores and 100 specialty restaurants and stores, with a large 98 percent leased space. UTC made some 2,000 permanent jobs and 1,000 on contractual basis jobs.
With the dramatic growth in Benderson Development Co, the construction workers remain very busy, as the land surrounding the mall is continually being developed. The projects south, west and north is about to begin, the Square at UTC is also leased while still undergoing constructions. At the South of UTC, Homewood Suites is expected to rise in next year's fall, and three more hotels following at the east side of the mall. These hotels will host international guests. Future plans also includes, entertainment centers with top scale cinemas and walkable areas so people can appreciate different attractions at UTC.
Manatee and Sarasota counties celebrate the first year anniversary of their major asset, the Mall at University Town Center. This rising economic engine has even bigger promise with new development plans in the future.
UTC, one o the two enfolded malls was unveiled in 2014, the project obtained global attention for its innovative design. This year, UTC gathered acknowledgment as the "Best Retail Development, Florida" by the United Kingdom based International Property Awardsa dn is now a nominee for IPA's Americas and World Honors.
The IPA president, Stuart Shield characterized the contenders as, "These impressive projects are not only attractive to the eye, they are highly functional, eco-friendly and feature state-of-the-art technology," which is definitely the UTC.
The mall was built under the management of Benderson Development Co. with cooperation with Taubman Co. a large retail expert from Michigan. The celebration of the first anniversary signifies strong milestiones and success and this year's anticipations for higher profits during the holidays.
UTC's statistics tell a story about its success, the 73 acres, 800,000 square foot mall has department stores and 100 specialty restaurants and stores, with a large 98 percent leased space. UTC made some 2,000 permanent jobs and 1,000 on contractual basis jobs.
With the dramatic growth in Benderson Development Co, the construction workers remain very busy, as the land surrounding the mall is continually being developed. The projects south, west and north is about to begin, the Square at UTC is also leased while still undergoing constructions. At the South of UTC, Homewood Suites is expected to rise in next year's fall, and three more hotels following at the east side of the mall. These hotels will host international guests. Future plans also includes, entertainment centers with top scale cinemas and walkable areas so people can appreciate different attractions at UTC.
