Overview of The Mall at University Town Center
The Mall at University Town Center (UTC) is a premier shopping destination located in Sarasota, Florida, just south of the Manatee County line and close to the thriving community of Lakewood Ranch.
Since its opening on October 16, 2014, UTC has played a central role in the region’s retail landscape, offering a diverse range of high-end shops, dining experiences, and entertainment options that cater to both locals and tourists.
Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, the mall features over 140 stores, including major luxury retailers and popular mainstream brands like Apple and Lululemon. The two-story, 880,000-square-foot shopping center boasts a modern architectural design that reflects the area’s upscale atmosphere.
Beyond retail, UTC offers a variety of entertainment options, such as fine dining restaurants and family-friendly venues, making it a bustling hub for people looking to shop, dine, and unwind.
Its strategic location near key tourist spots and residential areas has solidified UTC’s role as more than just a mall—it’s a key destination for things to do in Sarasota, Florida.
Early Development and Vision (2002-2014)
The story of The Mall at University Town Center began in 2002, when Benderson Development purchased a large parcel of land near Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota.
They had a vision of transforming this space into a major shopping destination, and the project quickly attracted interest from top-tier department stores.
By 2007, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Macy’s had all signed letters of intent to become the mall’s anchor stores. There was excitement building as groundbreaking was planned for 2008, with an expected opening in 2010.
The project even gained a key partner when Taubman Centers, a well-known player in the shopping mall industry, joined forces with Benderson that year, solidifying a 50/50 joint venture.
However, the economic downturn in 2009, often referred to as the Great Recession, forced the project into a lengthy pause.
As consumer spending plummeted and retail projections became less certain, the three major anchors withdrew from the venture, putting the entire development in jeopardy.
Despite the setbacks, Benderson and Taubman remained committed to achieving their vision, even if it meant waiting for the right moment to move forward.
Finally, in 2012, they reintroduced the project, but with some changes. Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s (now rejoining the effort), and Dillard’s were announced as the new anchor stores.
Construction officially began on October 15, 2012. This time, the mall was set for completion in 2014, and the developers believed they were ready to meet the needs of Sarasota’s growing community.
Grand Opening and Regional Impact (2014-2019)
The Mall at University Town Center officially opened its doors on October 16, 2014, marking a key moment in Sarasota’s retail history. At the time of its opening, it was the first new regional shopping center built in the area in 35 years.
Anchored by major retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, UTC positioned itself as a luxury destination while also offering a wide variety of more mainstream brands.
Stores like Apple, Tesla, and Michael Kors helped solidify the mall’s reputation as a modern, high-end shopping experience.
With more than 100 stores filling the two-story complex, shoppers could find everything from fashion and tech to home goods and beauty.
Beyond shopping, UTC offered plenty of entertainment and dining options. Visitors could enjoy restaurants like The Capital Grille and Seasons 52, which became popular spots for both casual diners and special occasions.
The mall’s opening brought a much-needed boost to Sarasota’s economy, generating jobs and attracting new businesses to the surrounding area.
Evolution of The District at UTC and Expansions (2015-2023)
In the years following its grand opening, The Mall at UTC continued to evolve and expand. One of the most notable developments was the creation of The District at UTC, a project that extended the mall’s influence beyond the main building.
Divided into The District East and The District West, this expansion brought new retailers, restaurants, and even entertainment venues to the surrounding area.
The District West, located near the mall, attracted big-name stores like Super Target, Best Buy, and Ulta Beauty. It provides a mix of everyday shopping options alongside UTC’s more upscale offerings.
Meanwhile, The District East, which is still under development, promises to bring even more attractions, including a movie theater, hotels, and additional retail stores.
This growth has made the UTC area a true retail hub, where visitors can spend an entire day shopping, dining, and enjoying leisure activities.
One of the standout moments for the UTC area came in 2017 when Nathan Benderson Park—located right next to the mall—hosted the World Rowing Championships. This major international event brought a wave of visitors to Sarasota, many of whom visited UTC during their stay.
Challenges and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2022)
The COVID-19 pandemic brought sudden changes to the retail industry, and The Mall at University Town Center faced its own set of challenges.
On March 19, 2020, the mall temporarily closed its doors in response to nationwide shutdowns aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.
However, the mall didn’t stay closed for long. By May 6, 2020, The Mall at University Town Center had reopened and implemented new health and safety protocols to protect its visitors and staff.
Despite these efforts, the pandemic had a lasting impact on consumer behavior. Shoppers became more cautious, and e-commerce saw rapid growth during this period, leaving traditional retailers scrambling to keep up.
Still, UTC’s mix of luxury and everyday brands, along with its large and open space, helped it remain a desirable destination for those looking for an in-person shopping experience.
Latest Developments and Current Status (2023-2024)
In 2023, one notable change was the closure of the Christmas Tree Shops store, which shut down on August 12, 2023, as part of a nationwide liquidation of all 82 stores.
A major attraction in October 2024 will be the Fall Festival and Carnival, which will be hosted at The Mall at University Town Center on October 19th and 20th.
This family-friendly event will include free entry and parking, a dedicated kids’ zone, costume contests, and a Dreamland Amusements Carnival running throughout the weekend.
The festival is set to become a staple event in the local community, enhancing UTC’s appeal as a year-round destination for both locals and tourists.
One of the most significant upcoming developments is the addition of a massive 120,000 sq ft City Furniture showroom, set to open in the East District of UTC by the summer of 2025.
This expansion is expected to bolster UTC’s reputation as a shopping hub, especially for those looking for home furnishings.
