2003, Volume 1PAGE 1

Phase II of Festival Bay at International Drive Celebrates Opening April 3

Festival Bay at International Drive is Belz Enterprises’ newest retail concept, carefully designed and built to be a one-of-a-kind indoor retail center that offers lifestyle shopping and entertainment for the entire family. The new development has been hailed as "one of the most exciting concepts in retail entertainment shopping." Festival Bay at International Drive draws upon the company’s extensive background in the Orlando retail market to provide unequaled shopping for adventure enthusiasts seeking a fun sensory experience.

When it opens on April 3, the project’s Phase II will house some of the most exceptional destination retailers in the United States, positioning Festival Bay at International Drive as one of Orlando’s premier retail and entertainment centers. Visitors to the center will enjoy a diverse mix of shopping, lifestyle entertainment and fun.

The design of Festival Bay at International Drive incorporates an elegant, tropical motif featuring a thoughtful blending of Caribbean architecture and the upbeat, recreational atmosphere of the Florida lifestyle. The main feature will be a three-acre bay surrounded by a series of plazas, themed street-scapes and interconnected walkways. Inside, large skylights, colorful tiles and architecture, and an interior water feature will continue the tropical theme.

"Over the past five years, we have carefully planned every detail in order to create an environment that will be fun and exciting for each and every person," said Andrew J. Groveman, senior vice president, Belz Enterprises. "All of our anchor stores cater primarily to the local and regional markets and will offer not only an exceptional retail experience, but an exceptional entertainment experience as well."

Existing anchor tenants include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, which has already drawn millions of visitors since opening at Festival Bay at International Drive; Cinemark Theaters’ 20-screen megaplex, where people can enjoy the latest movies in state-of-the-art comfort; and Vans Skatepark, a 55,000-square-foot indoor skatepark designed by professional skaters for all skill levels. Highlights at Vans include an above-ground bowl for pool skaters, an indoor wooden street course, an outdoor concrete street course, and a Vans retail store.

In addition to the original anchor stores, Festival Bay at International Drive will house Sheplers Western Wear, a 40,000-square-foot store that will be Orlando’s definitive destination for Western wear in the region. It will feature a full range of Western wear, including boots, jeans, hats, and accessories.

Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear is an innovative specialty retailer that operates 15 stores around the country. The 45,000-square-foot store features officially licensed products for more than 100 universities and is sure to be a hit with its targeted young audience.

Ron Jon Surf Shop will open at the north end of the three-acre bay. Arguably the nation’s best-known surf brand, Ron Jon’s offers beach-themed sportswear, surfboards, skateboards, and other equipment necessary for the beach goers’ lifestyle.

For those who just want to read about surfing, or any other topic under the sun, Storyville will be the place to go. The 20,000-square-foot bookstore will include a café with coffee, fresh pastries and other tempting refreshments.

In addition to its anchor tenants, Festival Bay at International Drive will comprise approximately 300,000 square feet of small shop tenants, including BCBG, Charlotte Russe, Cokooning, Clair de Lune, Pacific Sunwear, Epoxy, and Big Dog.

Located in the heart of the city’s tourist district, Festival Bay at International Drive is across from Belz Factory Outlet World– Orlando and Belz Designer Outlet Centre. The new center is poised to become the local attraction of choice for area residents, as well as a major vacation destination for tourists.

"There is no question that Festival Bay at International Drive will provide a fun, relaxing place for people to shop, eat and play," said Groveman. "We designed this complex to be very special, both in its architecture and in the types of tenants we are bringing to Orlando. This is truly one of the most exhilarating entertainment complexes being developed in the United States today."

For leasing information, call 901-260-7350.