LandGrant Development president C. Samuel Marasco tells GlobeSt.com that several tenants have already signed up for the project. The early stages of development have already begun, with the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place early next month.

The $100-million, first phase of the project includes a 650,000-sf open-air regional mall.

At build-out, the International Gateway of the Americas--perhaps the largest US/Mexico border retail development ever attempted in California--will total 1.4 million sf and include a pedestrian bridge that will connect Louisianna Avenue in San Diego with Avenida Revolucion in Tijuana.

"The bridge is the signature piece for the project and represents the good relations between our two countries," Marasco says.

In addition to the 525-foot bridge over the Tijuana River at the site of the retail center, the second phase will include an international cultural center, office tower and transportation center.

The development has already caputured the attention of several well-known retailers. Among those that have either already signed leases at the project or have expressed interest in it are Nike, Nautica, Liz Claiborne, Banana Republic, The Gap, Polo, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger and Guess?.

Many other well-known American, European and Mexican retailers have shown interest in the retail portion, Marasco adds. The International Gateway of the Americas will also offer a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, including diverse international eateries and a number of themed restaurants.

Instant Insights /

CORRECTION: Huge Border Retail Project Ready to Open In Fall

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