45 businesses expected at mall’s opening

Developer Steve Craig is finally realizing the construction of The Outlets at San Clemente after 18 years of work to get it off the ground. The center will open in October.
Developer Steve Craig stands in front of construction of The Outlets at San Clement. The outlets are using terra cotta tile on the roofs which lasts 50 years. The high quality tiles are easy to clean and do not fade as quickly as other tiles.
Developer Steve Craig walks around the construction site of the Outlets at San Clemente, which is within sight of the ocean. To conserve water during the drought, Craig is using native landscape, “little to no turf” and drip irrigation on the property.
The Outlets at San Clemente is under construction off of the I-5 freeway.
The Outlets at San Clemente is being constructed off I-5. As many as 70 businesses will make up phase one of the outlet mall, totaling 325,000 square feet of space. Additional phases in coming years could bring the facility up to 500,000 square feet, including a 129-room hotel.
The Outlets at San Clemente is erected off of the I-5 Freeway in San Clemente. The buildings we’re built with enough steel to make it “where you want to be in an earthquake,” developer Steve Craig said.

By Fred Swegles | fswegles@scng.com | Orange County Register

July 1, 2015 at 6:49 p.m.

Developers of the Outlets at San Clemente say they anticipate roughly 45 shops and restaurants will greet visitors at its expected grand opening in October.

As many as 70 businesses will make up phase one of the outlet mall, totaling 325,000 square feet of space. Additional phases in coming years could bring the facility up to 500,000 square feet, including a 129-room hotel.

“We will provide the specific grand opening date and store list in the coming months,” said Kait McKay, the center’s publicist, in an email Wednesday.

Here are some announcements about the mall that Craig Realty Group made in recent weeks via phone, email and press release:

Address: 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente

Brands: To include Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Columbia Sportswear, Guess, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, Puma, Tilly’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, White House Black Market, Ruby’s Diner, Panera Bread, Starbucks

Rollout of stores: After the expected 45 on opening day, as many as 25 further stores and restaurants in phase one will continue opening through 2016.

Prime restaurants: High-end restaurants on four ocean-view pads have not yet been selected and won’t likely be announced until after the opening.

Hotel: The city has approved. However, development is currently focused on phase one, and there’s no time frame for hotel construction at this time.

Mall amenities: The center will include free Wi-Fi throughout the site, restrooms designed for convenience, valet parking and a VIP loyalty program with its own 1,500-square-foot lounge that includes private restrooms, TVs, complimentary snacks and beverages and a shaded terrace overlooking the center court.

Management: Susan Jennrich is general manager; she was formerly GM at the Citadel Outlets in Commerce, where she recently helped open phase four of the center.

Marketing: Nicky See comes to San Clemente as former marketing communications manager at The Grand Del Mar luxury resort and a former communications manager at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Operations: Greg Todd will hold this position. He formerly filled the same role at the Outlets at Castle Rock, Colo.

Contact the writer: 949-492-5127 or fswegles@ocregister.com