November 18, 2009

Markell Congratulates Christiana Mall For Achieving Redevelopment Milestone

NEWARK -- Christiana Mall, owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc., celebrated the mall’s latest redevelopment milestone with a special ceremony officially “opening the doors” to welcome new retailers and restaurants to the center.

During the ceremony, Christiana Mall officially announced ten new retailers and restaurants including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Rockport, Lego, Oakley, JB Dawson’s, White House Black Market, Tilly’s, P.S. from aéropostale, and Coldwater Creek.

More than 100 guests and distinguished dignitaries, including Gov. Jack Markell, County Executive Chris Coons and State Sen. Peterson joined representatives from GGP, including Adam Metz, chief executive officer, to commemorate the ceremony. Representatives from each new retailer and restaurant also participated.

 "The Christiana Mall has created jobs and economic activity in Delaware for more than four decades,” said Governor Jack Markell.“The expansion we're celebrating today will help the Mall remain important part of our state's economy in the future, with more Delawareans working and thousands of new non-Delawareans spending. The Mall and its tax-free shopping will attract visitors from around the region for years to come."

 "GGP is committed to meeting evolving shopper tastes, including those that are unique to the surrounding community. Our goal is to continue to enhance Christiana so it remains everyone’s favorite place to shop, dine and enjoy entertainment.” said Adam Metz, GGP’s CEO. "We recognize and would like to thank Gov. Jack Markell and County Executive Chris Coons for their continued support and look forward to providing both the residents and visitors of Delaware with a great place to shop, work and play.”

 Under the redevelopment project, Christiana Mall has added approximately 200,000 square feet of new retailers sand restaurants making it the largest shopping center in the state of Delaware. In May 2009, Christiana Mall opened an expansive new Food Court, which includes seating for 700 guests and an enhanced selection of dining options. The latest milestone for Christiana Mall’s extensive redevelopment is the completion of East Plaza and the conclusion of the interior and exterior renovations.

 The East Plaza is a new streetscape featuring exceptional fashion and lifestyle shops and several first-to-market retailers including Barnes & Noble, XXI Forever and The Cheesecake Factory (Spring 2010). Interior renovations include new flooring, enhanced lighting, soft seating, and two new mall entrances. Exterior renovations include contemporary landscaping, reconditioned parking lots, and a new exterior façade. Delaware’s first Nordstrom is slated to open in Spring 2011.