Boutique Marketplace to Hit Tustin Center

TUSTIN, CA-Vestar, owner and developer of lifestyle center the District at Tustin Legacy here, has signed a lease with Union Market Tustin to develop a 22,000-square-foot artisanal marketplace containing independent gourmet food, fashion and lifestyle businesses within the 1-million-square-foot retail center. The new marketplace, set to open in 2014, will fill the space vacated by Borders Books & Music in the District Promenade area of the center.

Inspired by the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, Union Market Tustin is the brainchild of Andrea and Russell Young. The couple's first project was OC Mart on 17^th St. in Costa Mesa, which served as the seedling for their ultimate partnership in the OC Mart Mix, followed by the recently opened Market LV in Las Vegas. Union Market Tustin is a set to feature unique boutiques, specialty foods, a wine bar and restaurant and more under one roof. The atmosphere will be reminiscent of urban hot spots in New York and San Francisco, with a modern, industrial vibe and open feel.

“Vestar is excited to add Union Market Tustin, which complements our current tenant mix and will serve as the inspiration for the evolution of retail, specifically in the District Promenade,” says Jeff Axtell, VP of acquisitions and development for Vestar.

According to Andrea Young, “There couldn't be a better location for our concept. We are thrilled to open our newest market at the District, where we share a vision with Vestar to create a new experience for the community.”

Union Market Tustin will offer a combination of independent retail and restaurant concepts with a variety of indoor and outdoor communal areas for gathering and events. Leases will be announced as they are confirmed. By offering spaces that range from 200 square feet to 3,000 square feet, the marketplace seeks to provide independent businesses a launching pad and attract tenants of emerging artisans and brands.

The marketplace is expected to bring 20 or more new tenants to the center, which houses AMC Tustin 14, RA Sushi, Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, Fashion Camp OC, Bowlmor Lanes, Vanes, Tilly's DSW, Peet's Coffee & Tea and Native Foods Café.

As GlobeSt.com reported exclusively in December 2012, Axtell was promoted to his current position at that time. He is responsible for overseeing the firm's investment and development strategies in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, which includes acquisitions, repositioning of assets and dispositions.