St. Johns is a joint venture between Indianapolis-based Simon, the largest owner of retail property in the country, and Ben Carter, a development company based in Atlanta. Previously the two developed the Mall of Georgia in suburban Atlanta.

Observers familiar with the Jacksonville market note that the time is ripe there for retail development. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population of Duval County is about 817,000, up from about 778,000 in 2000 and 635,000 in 1990. The Jacksonville metro area has about 1.2 million people, and could grow by another 100,000 by the time of the next census. Moreover, a fair amount of the growth has stemmed from the in-migration of relatively higher-income people working in growth industries, such as health care and regional banking.

Certainly retailers believe in Jacksonville's retail potential, particularly on the southeast side of town, where St. Johns is located. The center is opening fully leased, and features Dillard's, Barnes & Noble, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, Ashley Furniture, Designer Shoe Warehouse, Jo Ann Fabrics, Old Navy, PetsMart, Pier One and Staples. Restaurants in the mix include the Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's, and P.F. Chang's.