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Mall Updates Its Image

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 13, 2008

WESLEY CHAPEL - A local plaza got a facelift and is attracting new tenants while keeping some of its current businesses.

Pinebrook Plaza on Wesley Chapel Boulevard has been transformed into Pinebrook Plaza at the Grove, named for its proximity to The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

One business, The Hair Place, 27419 Wesley Chapel Blvd., has served the area for 28 years and welcomes the new look.

The salon's ceiling has been raised and improved, its walls refurbished, new styling and dryer chairs have been added, and the salon is adorned by newly acquired artwork, flowers and plants.

"I love the new look," said Carmen Anderson, a 15-year Hair Place customer who attended the salon's Aug. 9 grand reopening. "It's very elegant, and makes you breathe and relax."

The Hair Place also upgraded its plumbing, electricity and air conditioning.

The salon's transformation was the concept of owner and (along with father Victor and their VictorMark contracting company) contractor Mark Rosenthal, who in December embarked on a massive renovation project that transformed the 13,500-square-foot plaza.

"This shopping center has been around since 1983 and is a landmark," said Rosenthal, who has owned Pinebrook since 1995.

"We want to get the center up to the times."

The plaza's new neutral, earth-tone colors complement the design of the neighboring Grove shopping center. Pinebrook's parking lot is being widened from 52 to 70 spaces, and its ceiling has been raised to 10 feet.

New plumbing and electrical systems have been installed, to accommodate new building code requirements, and the plaza's exterior is being renovated to include new asphalt, paving and retention ponds.

"The building looks new," said Jack Patel, owner of Quail Hollow Cleaners at Pinebrook Plaza. "The customers notice the difference."

In addition, new tenants are joining the Plaza's lineup. Soon to join The Hair Place, Quail Hollow Cleaners, Moody, D'Avirro and Associates Inc. Insurance and Metro PCS wireless will be Bed Pros and Silver Ring Cuban restaurant.

"And 3,000 square feet is left over for new tenants," Rosenthal said.

All refurbishments are expected to be in place by November. In mid-2009, new entryways into the plaza will allow access to State Road 54 and Gateway Boulevard.

Clients such as Lois Alston of Land O' Lakes welcome the changes and appreciate the hair salon.

"It's a fun shop, and the ladies are very friendly," she said. "And I've even known Rose co-owner Rose Carollo to pick up elderly clients for their appointment."

Bonnie Ward, Anderson's stylist at The Hair Place, agrees.

"I love it," she said. "It's more modern."

The Hair Place owners Jeri McLeod and Carollo are thrilled with their store's new design. The longtime stylists said that, with all the updates, the mission of The Hair Place remains the same.

"We're still about making women pretty and men handsome," McLeod said.

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