According to a company statement, the redevelopment is "to further strengthen the popularity of the center and affirm its position as South Florida's premier shopping destination." Laurence C. Siegel, chairman and CEO of the Mills Corp., adds in the statement, "The renovation and redevelopment of Sawgrass Mills will help us increase the value of this well-situated and market-dominant shopping center."

The Mills Corp. would not release renovation costs, but Rebecca Sullivan, a spokeswoman for Mills, says the company is planning to spend "a substantial amount" on renovations.

The eight-month renovation—which will take place after hours--includes replacing sections of flooring and carpeting, adding lighting to brighten the common areas, painting the common area, establishing seating areas throughout the retail center, remodeling restrooms, renovating the food courts with new furniture and décor, installing directional signage and other clues to help customers navigate the center better, and doing several exterior and systems upgrades.

"The property is 14 years old," Sullivan points out. "We wanted to lighten it up (with) some new colors, some new designs. Nothing was desperately wrong with the property, It's just time in the life of the property" to make some changes. "And we needed some more directional signage."

In addition, the company submitted plans to the City of Sunrise this month to develop a high-end fashion district at Sawgrass Mills called the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass. The city has a 90-day approval process, and Mills expects the plan to be approved later this year. The expansion would add new retail to Sawgrass Mills and increase the center's size to 2.3 million leasable sf. The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass is designed to provide high-end, off-price, nationally and internationally prominent retailers and gourmet dining options. It would have Mediterranean architecture, fountains and plazas, with an open-air promenade setting.

Sawgrass Mills opened Oct. 4, 1990, adding new shopping in November 1995 and April 1999. Sawgrass Mills houses a mix of more than 400 outlet and other retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues, including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, The Cheesecake Factory, Regal 23 Cinemas, Ann Taylor Loft, Ron Jon Surf Shop and Tommy Hilfiger Company Store.

Instant Insights /

Sawgrass Mills Faces Major Redevelopment

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