The project's anchors include Nordstrom, Macy's, Foley's, JCPenney and Sears. It also features 180 in-line stores. The center is fully wired to give its tenants high-speed Internet access via cable modems. It is also the second GGP property included in its Mallibu Internet program. Shoppers can access the Mallibu Web site from six computer stations scattered around the center. Eventually, the site will enable users to virtually shop at the center's stores from home and either have their goods shipped or go to the mall and pick them up.
Built in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, the two-level center includes the first Texas locations for catalog apparel seller Coldwater Creek and Galyan's Sporting Goods. It also includes a 24-screen AMC theater with stadium seating and an NHL regulation size skating rink and a carousel, both of which have become trademarks of GGP developments.
The opening includes several special events. The first 10,000 people at the mall will receive free Starbuck's coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts and have a chance to meet athletes from local teams. Prizes, including one-year theater passes, one-year rink passes and one-year carousel passes, will be awarded throughout the day. The center expects to draw upwards of 30,000 people during the day.
"Everything is going smoothly; it's going to be an awesome day," said Stonebriar marketing director Christy Schwall. "It's a tax-free shopping day, it's back-to-school season and its the mall opening. There should be lots of people."
ELS/Elbasani & Logan Architects designed the center with such elements as marble piazzas, skylights bringing in natural light and murals along the center's walls illustrating Frisco's history.
Stonebriar's debut marks the beginning of a four-week run of major mall openings: Westcor Partner's FlatIron Crossing, Broomfield, Colo. (Aug. 11); TrizecHahn's Desert Passage, Las Vegas (Aug. 17); and Urban Shopping Center's Galleria at Roseville, Calif. (Aug. 25). <