Preliminary work at the site has begun with construction planned to begin next year. The center will be constructed in two phases. The first phase of about 250,000 sf is expected to open in October 2008, Chapman says. Construction on the second phase, of approximately 160,000 sf, will begin when the first phase is completed and the second phase is expected to open in October 2009.

Between 80% and 85% of the tenants in the center are expected to be similar to other Preferred Outlets locations, Chapman says. Some of the tenants at most of the locations include GAP Outlet, Bass, Factory Brand Shoes and Dress Barn, according to Ariel's website. The center will have "big brand" women's fashions, men's fashions and home fashions. The shopping center is expected to generate more than $100 million in sales revenue each year, Chapman says.

The site is also close to Interstate 39. Ariel looks for locations where there is a population of between 300,000 and 500,000 people within a 30-minute radius, Chapman says. "Rockford is the second largest city in Illinois," he says. The joint venture acquired the site from Landmark Development, based here, Chapman says. Landmark Development had acquired the sites with plans to develop the outlet shopping center, but the project had stalled as the mainly-residential developer received the needed entitlements but was not able to get any leases signed. The joint venture had been negotiating with Landmark since meeting at the ICSC convention in May and closed this month on the sale, Chapman says.