University Mall is open for business!
While word has travelled across Tampa that the University Mall nestled on Fowler Ave will be demolished, in actuality only a portion of the property will be demolished to make space for the Uptown Project.
Located next to the University of South Florida Tampa campus, the University Mall has stood on Fowler Ave. since 1974. University Mall has many major stores including Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works, Aeropostale and a popular Studio Movie Grill among many others.
University Mall has served as a shopping destination for the Tampa Community for years, however, the property will soon be seeing the upgrade of its lifetime.
On Tuesday, Feb. 19 RD Management held a gathering for the Commencement of Demolition -- marking the official start of work on some existing space at University Mall. The demolition began at the west side of the property, between the former JCPenney and some existing mall space. While the entire property will not be demolished and the remaining stores will stay open, an approximate 100 acres will be cleared for the Uptown Project.
What was once a conventional shopping center will now become a hotspot for restaurants, health and fitness centers, a technology research complex, and even a multi-story residential complex. The new development will also feature a gleaming lake frontage.
Uptown Project, the new, urban development, will create a bustling city center not only for the USF Bulls right across the street, but for all of Tampa Bay to come enjoy.
“Our local Tampa team is committed to successfully transforming the property from a traditional, enclosed mall into a mixed-use, urban neighborhood development incorporating science and tech research and innovation,” Chief Development Strategist at RD Management, Chris Bowen said.