Opry Mills to Re-Open March 29, 2012

Finally- we have a date! For a few months, we've known that the Simon Mills Property staple was to re-open in Spring 2012, but now, the date has been set: March 29, 2012. And you better believe that Mills employees are working hard to complete the restoration necessary after the flood. I've previously posted about some Opry Mills Mall updates (see blog post here), but there have been some renderings released of the projected new space. Here's what we may see from the mall when it re-opens its doors next Spring: 

Casual Shopping.

Fashion shopping.

Food court.

photo credit: http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2011/06/21/opry-mills-reopening-gets-a-date.html

Want to know more?! Here is a press release I received regarding the renovated Nashville shopping destination:

OPRY MILLS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR MARCH 2012 REOPENING

New stores, children’s play area and the return of the Entertainment Stage to be a part of grand reopening plans

NASHVILLE, TN (June 21, 2011) – Opry Mills will officially reopen on March 29, 2012, with a grand reopening celebration planned during early May. Four major anchors, Regal Cinemas Opry Mills Stadium 20 & IMAX, Dave & Buster’s, VF Outlet and Sun & Ski Sport, will soon join Bass Pro Shops and open for business before the 2011 holiday season.

“Opry Mills is primed for success with redevelopment progress well underway and the announcement of a great roster of fashion brands,” said Gregg Goodman, president of The Mills, a Simon company. “We are looking forward to the next several months as we prepare for the grand reopening and once again fuel the local economy with new jobs and increased sales tax revenue.”

Momentum is building for the reopening of Opry Mills with the announcement of several fashion forward retail additions, which will appeal to style conscious shoppers. Popular names, which will be new to Opry Mills, include Coach Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Tommy Bahama Outlet, Talbots, Chico’s, White House Black Market, Under Armour Factory House, and The LEGO Store.

More familiar names have already committed to being a part of the reopening during spring 2012 such as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Banana Republic Factory Store, J.Crew Factory, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Victoria’s Secret, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Off Broadway Shoes, and a greatly expanded Forever 21. In addition, Rainforest Café, Aquarium Restaurant and Opry Mills’ Food Court will provide family dining options.

Opry Mills’ visitors will delight in its timeless design, which will only enhance the shopping experience.  In true Nashville fashion, Opry Mills’ popular Entertainment Stage will return as a unique feature of the center, showcasing live entertainment and other exciting activities.  Plus, additional family entertainment options will be unveiled, including a new kids soft play area.

Construction on the landmark property began nearly two months ago after the announcement of Opry Mills’ agreement with its lenders, Helaba Bank and Nord/LB, to finance the rebuilding of the mall during continued litigation to have its insurers comply with their obligation to pay the amounts they agreed to in the event of a flood loss.

About Opry Mills

Opry Mills is located seven miles from downtown Nashville, between Interstates 40 and 65, and is within walking distance of the Grand Ole Opry and the 2,800-room Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.  For the latest information about the ongoing restoration process at Opry Mills, please call (615) 514-1000 or visit www.oprymills.com.  Opry Mills also may be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/OpryMills) and on Twitter @shoprymills.

About The Mills, A Simon Company

The Mills®, one of Simon Property Group's five real estate platforms, is comprised of 16 value-oriented retail destinations totaling over 24 million square feet. The Mills offers a unique brand of shopping with a mix of popular name brand outlets, value retailers and full-price stores, plus family-oriented dining and entertainment concepts. The Mills are well-located in major metropolitan markets and many are recognized as leading tourism destinations. Notable properties include Arundel Mills (Baltimore), Gurnee Mills (Chicago), Grapevine Mills (Dallas), Ontario Mills (Los Angeles), Opry Mills (Nashville), Potomac Mills (Washington, DC) and Sawgrass Mills (Ft. Lauderdale/Miami).

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest real estate company in the U.S. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 392 retail real estate properties comprising 263 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. Simon Property Group is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.