Project plans include a complete refurbishment and extensive renovation of all mall common areas, including new seating and restrooms; new interior and exterior signage; a completely revamped food court with a three-story glass atrium; new floor tile, skylights, lighting, customer amenities and kids' play area; a new mail mall entrance with a two-story grand lobby featuring a fountain and valet drop-off area and extensive new landscaping.

"This is more than a facelift for the mall; in total this project could mean $45 million to $60 million in additional spending for the area," said Gary Moss, regional vice president for the mall's owner, the IN-based Simon Property Group in a prepared statement. "In the short term, that means strengthening the economy. Over the long term, it means that Dadeland will remain a competitive, viable economic engine for South Florida." According to Moss, approximately 40% of the mall's visitors are tourists.

In addition to the mall's renovation, representatives of the Lord & Taylor department store have reached an agreement with Dadeland concerning the store's own renovation plans. Work is expected to begin next spring or early summer. When completed, the Lord & Taylor Dadeland will be a 160,000 sf prototype store with a new children's department, additional designer lines, wider aisles and a visually exciting design.

Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT which owns or has an interest in 255 properties containing an aggregate of 184 million sf of gross leasable area in 36 states, and five assets in Europe.