According to Vista Companies partner Patty Bender, Phase 1 of the development will encompass approximately 160,000 square feet on the northeast corner of the intersection. Wescott Avenue will border the northern side of the development while Wallingford Avenue will border the east side near Costco.
University Commons will be built in two phases.[/caption]Bender said Vista wanted to build along University Boulevard because it is a major connector through Sugar Land.
“[University Boulevard] takes you through high-wealth, high-income neighborhoods to the south,” she said. “The second reason is we were certainly interested in buying land next to Costco because it’s such an activity generator.”
CVS, Burlington and Michaels will anchor the Phase 1 site, and America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Amegy Bank, Mama Fu’s Asian House and 1000 Degrees Pizza are also signed to leases.
Venetian Nails, American Dental, Coco Crepes and Mattress 1 One have signed leases as well, Bender said. University Commons will have about 25 tenants total, although no stores have yet been confirmed for Phase 2, she said.
Phase 2 will be located on the northwest corner of the University Boulevard and Highway 59 intersection, bordered by Telfair Avenue to the north and measuring approximately 150,000 square feet. It has not undergone the full zoning process with the city, Bender said.
The first retailers in Phase 1 are expected to open in August 2017 and Phase 2 retailers will likely open in the second quarter of 2019, Bender said. Phase 1 will have about 750 parking spaces.
“I think commercial investment in projects like this further solidifies our sales tax base,” said Jennifer May, Sugar Land executive director of business and government affairs.
“We’re just a major commercial hub for the region,” May said.
