Remember that first kiss at the mall? University Mall in Tampa holds a special place in many hearts. It’s more than just a shopping center. It’s a time capsule of Tampa’s history.
University Mall wasn’t always called that. It opened in 1974 as University Square Mall. Robinson’s of Florida and Maas Brothers were the original anchors. Can you imagine the excitement? These were the big department stores back then. JCPenney joined the party in 1974. Sears followed in 1975. The mall even had a mascot. Hootie the owl wearing a graduation cap. How cool is that?
The mall underwent a huge transformation in 1995. Dillard’s built a new store. This led to a massive renovation. A new food court was added along with a Regal Cinemas with 16 screens. Think of all the movies seen there. Maas Brothers and Burdines merged under the Burdines name. The original Burdines space became a Montgomery Ward then Burlington Coat Factory.
The mall’s evolution continued. JCPenney closed in 2005. Steve & Barry’s briefly occupied its space. Dillard’s became a clearance center. Macy’s closed in 2017. Grand’s a Puerto Rican department store opened. It felt like a whole new generation of shoppers. Even Sears closed in 2018. The mall’s name changed to Uptown. Parts were demolished. Dillard’s clearance center closed in 2022.
University Mall’s story is a reflection of changing retail trends. It’s a story of expansion and contraction. It’s a story of changing tastes. But it’s also a story of memories made. First dates first jobs first kisses. University Mall stands as a testament to Tampa’s evolving identity. It is a place where generations of shoppers have created lasting memories. Who knows what the future holds. It’s sure to be interesting.