Naples Mall Getting $75M Facelift

NAPLES, FL-General Growth Properties Inc. is planning a $75-million redevelopment of its Coastland Center, a mall in this city, that it expects to transform into a sophisticated resort retail property by spring 2006.

The renovations will include converting the wing of the mall from enclosed space to open-air retail space. The space on the west side of the mall between Burdines-Macy’s and Sears will be converted to the outdoor shopping space. The mall has two other anchor tenants: JCPenney and Dillards.

The 100,000-sf, open-air promenade, being designed with Old Florida and European influences, will feature the Cheesecake Factory–the first in Naples–two other restaurants, outdoor seating and a 50,000-sf, 12-screen movie theater. Construction has begun on the Cheesecake Factory, set to open in February. The mall will stay open during construction.

The rest of the mall will remain enclosed, says Glen Harrell Sr., senior general manager of Coastland Center. “It will be a complete renovation of the interior and exterior,” and a refashioning of the wing space, he says. Plans are for interior improvements to include ceramic tile floors, centrally located seating areas and bright interiors with natural lighting.

The 27-year-old mall, currently about 925,000 sf and 98% occupied, will expand to 975,000 sf–the maximum allowable space–when the redevelopment is complete, according to Harrell.

Coastland Center is the only enclosed mall in the city, a fast-growing and affluent shopping market. However, the open-air concept is becoming popular, he says. Shoppers, especially in the area’s warm climate, like seeing a store, stopping and going inside, he says. “This community really likes to shop this way.”

“Our mall renovation plans will capture Florida’s natural beauty, transforming the face of retail in this unique resort area and providing a new casual point of interest and meeting place for the growing number of local residents and 1.3 million-plus annual visitors,” Bob Michaels, president of General Growth Properties, says in a statement.

Chicago-based General Growth Properties, an owner, manager and developer of shopping centers, has owned Coastland Center, located at 1900 Tamiami Trail North, since 1998. The mall has 14 eateries and 150 specialty retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister Co. and Victoria’s Secret.