The gigantic light-up sign that faces U.S. Highway 441 was just the start of the makeover underway at the ViaPort Florida mall.
Soon, additional renovations and new tenants will be welcomed to the 35-year-old complex, which has already seen a major facelift since being purchased by Via Properties last year.
Mall officials are negotiating with Starbucks and hope the coffee giant will open a fully-licensed location in early 2016, which would be located near the center court’s stone fountain.
T-Mobile is renovating a unit across the hall from its current location in the mall, which will be about three times larger than its current store.
Yogurt shop
Yo Belle Frozen Yogurt, a regional chain, is taking over T-Mobile’s current location early next year, officials said.
“Starbucks coming is a huge sign to the flags that ViaPort is a real player in this industry,” Leesburg Deputy City Manager Michael Rankin said. “We’re not happy, we’re not excited — we’re stoked.”
The Starbucks will be owned and operated by ViaPort Florida. Other current tenants in the mall soon will see major upgrades as well.
Theater upgrades
AMC 12 Theaters is set for multimillion-dollar renovations in May 2016, which will bring new seating, flooring and concession stands, a mall spokeswoman said.
Several theaters may be combined to form larger theaters.
After just opening in November, Via Entertainment, located in the old Target, is already planning a 60,000-square-foot expansion. A larger arcade, electric go carts, bumper cars and carnival games will be added to the entertainment complex on the back of the ViaPort Florida mall in one of the center’s prime anchor locations.
About 7,000 patrons visit Via Entertainment weekly, mall officials said. Some frequent the new Cousin Vinnie’s Burger Bar, while others decide just to bowl or play arcade games.
“Our first commitment was our biggest one, Via Entertainment,” Business Development Director Fuat Agsak said. “We’re not looking at [the mall] as investors — we’re owners.”
rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5927