The new Dick's Sporting Goods store at the Domain is already open. More stores and restaurants are set to open in February 2010.
Expect more stores and additional jobs in North Austin within the next few months as the Domain prepares to open its newest phase.
This part of the mall has 136,000 square feet for retailers and restaurants, along with a three level Dillard's store, a Gold Class cinema, a 340 room Westin hotel as well as 438 new apartments on site.
There's also 78,000 square feet of office space.
Despite a down economy, the sidewalks of the Domain were busy Wednesday afternoon, and many shoppers were excited at the prospect of more retail opportunities on the property.
"A lot of the great stuff you get downtown is here in the Domain, and I think it's great that you can come here get all that as well -- avoid some of the downtown hassles," said Steve Elmore, shopper.
Shopper Becky Doss said, "I definitely opt to come here rather than the Arboretum or Lakeline."
Since it opened in March of 2007, the Domain has brought in more than $4.85 million in sales taxes and property taxes.
A few weeks ago, the Endeavor Real Estate group announced it was delaying the construction of a Whole Foods, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom's at the Domain until late 2012 or 2013 due to the recession and troubled retail markets.
Simon Properties insists it's confident the area's economy will bounce back and that Austin is ready for this expansion.
"It's not just Simon who's made this decision -- our residential partners, our hotel partners, and all of the retailers who've decided to go ahead and make this commitment all speak to how strongly we view this market and the opportunities that are here," said Kathy Sheilds, Simon Property Group.
Construction on Phase two of the property is in full swing.
