University Mall is nothing but a distant memory.
Nearly three years into the multi-phase project that has transformed the former University Mall into University Place, 2017 proved a productive year for the 1.77 million square-foot regional shopping center. Woodbury says the company is currently in the beginning of the second phase of the project and that multiple smaller phases are currently in production.
The project, which will take approximately a decade to complete, has been under construction since February 2015. Here’s a look back at the construction road traveled in 2018, including completed projects. Then take a glimpse into the future with a small preview into what additions residents can anticipate at University Place in 2018.
Looking back to 2017
In 2017, University Place welcomed multiple new tenants. Two major additions included Al’s Sporting Goods and Tucanos. Al’s Sporting Goods — a four-generation sporting goods store — moved into the 40,000-square-foot store that formally housed Sports Authority in October 2017. This was the second store location for the business that started in Logan, Utah in 1921.
Another locally grown business, Tucanos, closed its location at the Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, Utah to move into a new location at University Place in May 2017. Tucanos originally opened its doors in Provo in 2000.
“We’ve got a great story going with a lot of great business and entrepreneur owners in the community that are becoming part of our project,” said Arthur Woodbury, vice president of Woodbury Corporations.
In November, University Place added four new Asian restaurants: Ahi Muse, Itto Sushi, Tepanyaki Japanese Steakhouse and Teriyaki Stix. During the year, the complex also signed a contract with a specialty grocer that will open in June 2018.
New tenants moved into the office buildings located at the corner of University Pkwy. and State St., including Clearlink.
“We’ve been really pleased with the interest we’ve had from office users,” Woodbury said.
At the Aston complex located by Costco, Woodbury Corporations completed approximately 280 units. By the time the project is finished, University Place will have added 1,100 housing units to the development.
Another addition that was less about construction and more about community was The Orchard. The Orchard, which includes an outdoor and indoor playground as well as outdoor space for events, was completed in October 2016. In 2017, University Place made good use of the new community space by hosting free events, including yoga, dance lessons, child storytimes, Pioneer Day fireworks display and more. University Place hopes to continue to grow and expand the events at The Orchard in 2018.
Looking forward to 2018
Besides the additional events and classes at The Orchard, 2018 will also see a variety of additions and construction.
One of the first projects at University Place scheduled for completion in 2018 is the parking garage west of The Orchard. The new parking structure will add 700 parking stalls to the shopping mall and should open in February.
“Right now, we’ve overbuilt our parking for the buildings we currently have,” Woodbury said. “So with that structure, that will allow us to move on and build additional phases and buildings. As we build more buildings, we have plans for additional parking structures.”
Then University Place will continue its apartment complex growth, adding 70 apartment units in a seven-story building. These apartments will be a higher quality than the Aston, according to Woodbury. In addition, Woodbury Corporations is actively marketing for the new office buildings.
“We think we are poised to hopefully be doing a lot more as we continue to work with the office and Utah builders,” Woodbury said.
Plus, Woodbury says the company is “constantly meeting with potential retail tenants.” Woodbury Corporations isn’t naming any specific companies for 2018, yet. As for the highly-anticipated Trader Joe’s, Woodbury says, “Building is moving along and it’s there and happening.” However, the corporation can’t announce any specific dates at this time.