Fact or Fiction: What’s really happening at Legacy Pointe?

By Michelle Ownbey

Several weeks ago, new signs at Legacy Pointe appeared announcing 2019 openings for The Outlets at Springfield and Springhill Suites by Marriott. On March 19, Fox Run Restaurant & Lounge shared photos of the signs on Facebook and said, “Getting some new neighbors soon.”

The images are now widely circulating on social media, but considering that both of these projects were originally announced in 2012, the new signage has been met with skepticism and confusion about what, if anything, is happening in Legacy Pointe.

Global Outlet Management filed for foundation permits early last year but is no longer involved in the project. However, Bill Furling, a local developer who is one of three owners of Legacy Pointe Development, LLC, says that things are still moving forward.

Asked about the new signage, he explained, “We are at the point where a lot of potential tenants are visiting again. We needed a landmark to help them make sure they were at the right place.”

Furling stated that they are still planning to build 240,000 square feet for phase one of the project. “We are signing leases. It is our intent to have a spring of 2019 project. We’ve gone through several setbacks through the process that has caused us to move the timeline forward, but we’re back on track again.”

FFO Real Estate Advisors, based out of Baltimore, Maryland, is now serving as the leasing agent for The Outlets. FFO recently completed a 300,000 sq. ft. outlet mall project in Des Moines, Iowa, and their website lists the Springfield site as one of four locations coming soon.

(http://www.fforealty.com/portfolio/outlets-at-springfield/gallery/portfolio/)

Another group that is no longer involved in the outlet mall project is Simon Property Group, which operates White Oaks Mall. Simon had initially announced plans to build their own additional retail center near the current mall, but later issued a press release in September 2014 stating they had partnered with Global Outlet Management on a joint venture to build in Legacy Pointe. Furling now says that Simon Property Group is not working with Legacy Pointe Development.

As far as the Springhill Suites hotel, Furling said he is not involved in that development but is under the impression the project is close to getting started. “We’ve sold the land; I believe the hotel will break ground in the next few months.”

“They’re excited to get going,” he said. “I’m hopeful they do get that project going, more interest out there is always a good thing.”

Have you heard rumors about a business in town opening or closing but aren’t sure what to believe? Email your question to [email protected] and we’ll check it out. You can also follow Springfield Business Journal on Facebook or Twitter to get local breaking news.

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