Tampa Premium Outlets’ developers can order an array of decorative signs for the retail complex under construction off State Road 56, but at least for now, a 90-foot pylon sign won’t be one of them.
The Pasco County Commission approved a signage plan that excludes the 90-foot pylon sign.
(Courtesy of FRCH Design Worldwide)
The Simon Property Group, the outlet mall’s developer, initially requested the 90-foot sign as part of its signage plan, but dropped that portion of the request after the county’s development review panel raised objections.
Simon Property Group has the option to try again later, with a new application.
The sign had been planned for installation along Interstate 75. The county’s regulations would limit the sign’s height to no higher than 30 feet.
David Goldstein, Pasco’s assistant county attorney, also indicated the sign wouldn’t meet regulations of the Florida Department of Transportation and could affect Pasco’s share of highway funds.
Outlet mall officials had wanted the taller height to help motorists searching for the mall, as they zipped down the interstate.
As many as 80 percent of the outlet mall’s customers are expected to be coming from outside the area and will be unfamiliar with the local road system, they said.
While the tall sign was not part of the approved signage plans, the mall developer is enthusiastic about Tampa Premium Outlets.
“We’re excited,” said John Dionis, senior director of development for New Jersey-based Simon Property Group, who made only brief remarks before the commission’s April 8 vote.
“It’s been a great experience. We look forward to opening in October,” Dionis said.
The 441,000-square-foot retail complex is expected to have more than 100 shops on State Road 56, near I-75. To date, the only announced tenant is the anchor, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.
Following the vote, Dionis said he was not authorized to make comments. He referred questions about the sign to Les Morris, director of company public relations.
Published April 15, 2015
