I know most people here don't like malls because they are part of suburban sprawl.
However, I notice from another thread people disliking the area's high humidity, me included. Why then do developer keep building and proposing outdoor malls and sports facilities. Baking at RayJay doesn't look like fun. Getting hot and sweaty while walking around Wiregrass Commons doesn't sound appealing. This new St. Pete Open Air Stadium sound like fun at all. Unless the game is riveting, which is rare.
I've never been to any of those outdoor lifestyle centers or whatever they call it when a developer is too cheap to air condition a mall... And unless I have no other alternative but to melt while I shop, I will never go to one either.
As long as the developers have the foresight to provide plenty of sidewalk overhangs I don't see the big deal. Unfortunately most of them do not provide this.
^That would cost money, so that's out of the question... This 'open air' crap isn't about creating a better experience for the shopper, it's about making these places cheaper to build, cheaper to rent, and thus more profitable... Seriously, do you know anybody who would really rather walk around in a heat index of 105 degrees, instead of 75 degrees?
The Prime Outlets in Orlando was outdoors but it did have some nice shade from sail-like and traditonal cieling structures over most of the sidewalks. Also, the Shops at Bal Harbor in Miami (one of the most upscale malls in the world, mind you) had lots of vegetation to the point of being in a forest along with sails and traditional cieling structure, though it wasn't inclosed on the sides or ends.
I agree though that generally, projects like Cypress Creek Town Center won't get my business due to being completely open even if it would be one of the closest "malls" from my house.
I personally, would much rather be outside, unless it's cold out. The heat has never bothered me. the whole reason I moved to Fl is so I could be outside all year. I will always take outdoor venues over indoor.
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