New Image at The Block
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I recall the excitement in 1998 when Washington, D.C.-based Mills Corporation opened The Block at Orange off the Garden Grove Freeway (22) at The City Drive in Orange. At the opening, the Mills people told me they looked forward to a bright future for their newest retail center, located not too far from Disneyland.
But the center went through some trying times in establishing its image, finally edging into a hangout for teenagers, which had the unfortunate result of alienating the adults and their purchasing power.
But now The Block has been purchased from Mills by powerhouse retailer Simon Property Group, which owns such Orange County retail centers as the Brea Mall, Westminster Mall, Laguna Hills Mall, and The Shops at Mission Viejo.
Simon Property Group has a strong image for The Block in mind, converting the 700,000-square-foot complex into an outlet center. Simon has already signed a lease with Nordstrom Rack and is rounding up additional outlet and off-price stores.
Moreover, the City of Orange has approved construction of an additional 105,000 square feet for The Block. Coming next: a name change for the retail complex.
