Cranes lift construction workers to the top of pastel-colored towers.
Shelving and a few boxes filled with merchandise are stowed behind glass storefronts.
A deck is being built around a lagoon that soon will be filled with crystal clear water.
The signs of construction, and a bit of dust, are everywhere at the Tampa Premium Outlets.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)
But the airy, breezy vibe of Key West is evident as the outlet mall approaches opening day on Oct. 29.
A gaggle of media got an up-close tour of the site on Oct. 8, led by General Manager Stacy Nance.
More than 90 percent of the mall is completed, leaving mostly interior details and landscaping as the finishing touches.
Opening day has been all but set in stone for months, in bold letters splashed across a banner in full view of motorists passing by on State Road 56.
“There has been such great planning with this, that I know we can do it,” Nance said.
Special events and family friendly activities are scheduled from opening day through Nov. 1.
A special appearance by reality television star, Bethenny Frankel, is set for Oct. 31 from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. Frankel is founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, and is one of The Real Housewives of New York.
She will take part in various activities, including two autograph sessions in the VIP Shoppers Club Lounge. To enroll in the club and attend the sessions, visit PremiumOutlets.com/vip.
More details will be announced closer to the grand opening.
The 441,000 square-foot mall will feature 110 outlet shops including Calvin Klein, Nike, Brooks Brothers, Fossil, Coach and Puma.
Valet parking will be available near the entrance to the mall’s anchor store, Saks Off 5th. WiFi will be available throughout the mall, and plugs to charge cellphones or other technology will be located wherever there is seating.
Cool pastels in green, blue and beige give pop and splash to exterior walls.
More than 300 palm trees will dot the landscape. And, though this is an outdoor mall, there will be coverings to give shade and relief from Florida’s heat and rain.
A bridge crosses over the lagoon, which is a major water attraction outside the Market Hall.
Inside the hall, shoppers will be able to dine in the food court or visit guest services.
In the next week or so, retailers are expected to set up their stores.
More than 800 jobs were up for grabs in August at a job fair, coordinated by The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Career Central at Pasco-Hernando State College.
Exact hiring numbers aren’t available, but some openings may remain.
“They continue to work with us,” said Nance.
For additional information about job opportunities, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.
Published October 14, 2015
