ORLANDO, Fla. – Crews will break ground this fall on a new hotel that will anchor Orlando's Fashion Square Mall and jump-start a large-scale makeover project at the shopping center.
According to the mall's owner, UP Development, the hotel will be an Element by Westin. The hotel chain's website describes the line as nature-inspired and environmentally friendly.
The new hotel will tower above the existing level of retail space between Panera and Macy's. It will fill a void in the area, since the nearest hotels are a few miles away in downtown Orlando.
The renovation project goes beyond the hotel and will include new retail and restaurant space. BJ's Brew house has already signed on, and other potential tenants include Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's and Red Robin.
A family entertainment zone is also in the plans for the redevelopment, and visitors will be able to enjoy a bowling alley, arcade and ice cream shop.
Fashion Square's owners say the renovation project comes at the same time as renewed interest from current tenants. Anchor stores Dillard's and JC Penney have recently extended their leases with the development.