ONTARIO, CA-The City of Ontario Redevelopment Agency will provide $4.5 million in partial funding for a redevelopment of the 1.5-million-square-foot Ontario Mills shopping center under an agreement with the center's owner, the Mills, a Simon company. By early 2011, Ontario Mills will feature an expanded Forever 21 and Burlington Coat Factory, plus the addition of Sports Authority, as well as more convenient entrances and extra parking.

Forever 21 will more than quadruple its retail space, expanding from 13,000 square-feet to 54,000 square-feet. The retail chain, which will relocate within the center, features clothing and accessories for women, men, teens and children. Burlington Coat Factory will expand from 80,000 square-feet to 112,000 square-feet, and Sports Authority will open a store of more than 50,000 square feet.

Construction will start in January on the project, which the city says will create at least several hundred jobs―including part-time and full time store employees, security personnel, maintenance workers, constructions crews, engineers, plumbers, electricians, landscape crews, architects and others. The center will remain open during all phases of development.

The investment of redevelopment agency funds by Ontario is "part of a proactive initiative to add jobs, increase sales tax revenue, expand business and continue the city’s strong tradition as one of California’s leading municipalities for economic growth and prosperity," according to an announcement by the city. It says that the agreement between the city and the property owner underscores the value of public/private collaborations in today’s economy. Simon's investment in the project was not disclosed.

Built in 1996, Ontario Mills is located at the intersection of Interstates 10 & 15 and is "an important component of the city’s complete community vision," the announcement states. The existing retail mix at the center includes more than 200 outlet and value retail stores.