The Legends Outlets today announced plans to change a paved concrete area on the west side of the shopping center into a new community space called “The Lawn.”
According to a spokesman, the new space will have a lawn area, park-like features and a jumbo outdoor screen placed on the Legends smokestack facing south. Another smaller screen would be placed facing east toward the Civic Courtyard Fountain.
The goal is to have “The Lawn” completed by the fall, although the date is not certain, the spokesman said. The plan is still preliminary, the spokesman added.
A few years ago the shopping center filled in this space with concrete, and now plans are to go back to a family-friendly space, the spokesman said. People could kick a soccer ball around, play Frisbee, or go on a picnic there, according to the spokesman.
The jumbo outdoor screen could be used for such events as watch parties for sports teams or movie nights.
“Legends Outlets is a shopping destination built on experiences,” said Jennifer Wojcik, Legends Outlets’ general manager, in a news release. “’The Lawn’ will further enhance those experiences by providing shoppers, visitors and families with an engaging gathering space for leisure activities, picnics, screenings and events of all kinds,” Wojcik said.
The stores located around “The Lawn” include Coldstone, Books-a-Million, Jazz restaurant and Coach store.
A new development plan outlines a move for Cavender’s store from its present location to a new 16,330-square-foot retail space next to Charming Charlie, according to the spokesman. The store will face “The Lawn.”
The space is across from Yard House, and it is where a pop-up store formerly was located, along with a vacant storage space, in D-105 and D-107. A wall will be knocked down and remodeling will take place to make this space bigger than Cavender’s current store, the spokesman said. Plans are for the new Cavender’s location to open in mid-July.
The Legends spokesman said there will be high foot traffic at the new Cavender’s location, and it will be a prime location once it is completed.
The shopping center plans to announce a new retail occupant for the current Cavender’s location soon, she said.
According to the spokesman, the Legends Outlets plans to begin construction this summer for “The Lawn,” and they are still working on the final design plans. The stores at the shopping center will remain open during construction.