realestate

Tampa Mall Redevelopment Project Secures Final Acquisition

Washington Prime Group acquires remaining piece of Tampa mall with purchase of Macy's department store.

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ashington Prime Group has completed its acquisition of the last remaining piece of Tampa's WestShore Plaza mall it didn't own: the Macy's department store. The Ohio-based real estate investment trust paid $10 million for the 235,000-square-foot store, bringing the price per square foot to $42. This purchase marks the culmination of nearly a decade-long acquisition process by WPG at the mall.

    WPG now controls over 50 acres at the intersection of Westshore and Kennedy boulevards, including the former Sears store, Seasons 52, and a Bank of America branch, in addition to the enclosed mall. The recent departure of Dick's Sporting Goods from its 80,000-square-foot space has added to WPG's redevelopment options.

    The company plans to redevelop the site with up to 3.5 million square feet of mixed-use development, featuring entertainment, retail, restaurants, office, medical, hotel, and residential spaces. However, financing remains a challenge, and WPG may need a joint venture partner to proceed. The project's future is uncertain, as Dallas-based Lincoln Property Company was initially involved but appears to have stepped back.

    Macy's is closing 55 stores by the end of this year and plans to close another 150 next year. WPG has recently acquired two other Macy's locations in Florida, including one at Boynton Beach Mall, which it is marketing for sale with approved plans for a mixed-use project featuring over 1,700 apartments.

Tampa mall redevelopment project site with cranes and construction equipment on location.