Tanger outlet construction moving along rapidly

Photo by Kathryn Stafford

By KATHRYN STAFFORD, Staff Writer  The Glendale Star

Things are starting to take shape at the site of the future Tanger Outlet shopping mall. The construction site is just west of 95th and Glendale avenues, right across from Westgate and the Renaissance hotel. The upscale outlet mall company first announced its plans to build in Glendale earlier in 2012.

Passersby can see the walls being erected in colorful blue and green. Construction workers can be seen busily working on individual projects and conferring with foremen as they move dirt, dig pits, and further groundwork preparation for construction.

The 38-acre-site will feature 85 brand-name stores in an open-air mall. With a completion date slated for November, the clock is ticking, but the way things appear to be moving, they shouldn’t have any problem meeting that deadline.

It was earlier estimated that the construction of the outlet mall alone would create between 700 to 800 jobs. Another 900 part-time and full-time retail positions would become available as the shopping center opened before the holiday shopping season.

Quentin Pell, director of public relations and marketing with Tanger Outlets, said because the company is holding their earning call next week, he would be unable to release an estimated cost of the construction project.

The process of planning and construction was expedited thanks to facilitation by the city’s economic development and planning departments. Glendale Economic Development Director Brian Friedman and his department have been involved in the process since the beginning of the project. Also closely involved is Glendale Planning Director Jon Froke. Both Froke and Friedman’s departments were instrumental in speeding up the process from drawing board to breaking ground for construction.
Assistant Building Safety Director Pam Wentz has also had a hands-on role in the construction process. Wentz discussed the progression of the mall’s construction and what residences can expect to see.

“Right now, a lot of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work is being done to the structures and retail stores in place,” Wentz said. “There has been a lot of stuccoing and painting to many of the buildings’ façades.”

Wentz said the city has received no complaints from residents about noise or dust problems from the construction site.

Currently, work is being done on the interior buildings from Tanger’s store designers. Wentz also said misters will be installed to help keep shoppers cool in the warmer months.

According to Wentz, the slated opening date in November is still the goal, which appears to be attainable with how well things have been moving.

A few of the featured stores at the Glendale location will include: American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Carter’s, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s, Coach, Cole Haan, Gap, Guess, H&M, J. Crew, Michael Kors, Sunglass Hut, Under Armour, Talbots, and White House Black Market.