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University Mall Shows Off New Play Area

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By NEIL JOHNSON

njohnson@tampatrib.com

Published: November 15, 2008

TAMPA - After more than eight months of work and $10 million, a gussied-up University Mall unveiled its first renovations in 12 years today in time to kick off the holiday shopping season.

The mall, which opened in 1974, added amenities such as a children's play area, enlarged family restrooms and Wi-Fi around the food court, said Tom Locke, mall manager.

The mall owners conducted surveys to determine what shoppers wanted before embarking on the renovation, Locke said.

One amenity high on the list was a children's play area.

Ashley Harrier approved as her two toddlers romped Friday.

Normally she would go to the mall in Brandon if her children were along because of the play area there.

"This is better than Brandon," she said.

She also liked the enlarged family restrooms that grew from 900 square feet to 2,900 square feet.

"I could get my double stroller through the door," she said.

Somera Capital Management and Rockwood Capital bought the mall in 2007.

The mall will have to endure the current economy sputters as will every retailer, Locke said. Such economic swings happen and are cyclical, he said.

During the remodeling, workers moved escalators to the second-floor food court to make them easier for shoppers to find. A lot of shoppers didn't realize there was a second floor, Locke said.

Fountains and water walls in the mall's central court were removed and the area opened to seating.

New ceilings were added and more natural light allowed into the central corridor.

The last major changes at the mall were in 1996, when the facility expanded to accommodate Dillard's. The last full remodeling was in 1991.

The owners plan a second round of renovations that would involve knocking down some structures and building new ones. There is no timetable for that, Locke said.

Reporter Neil Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7731.

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