Mall at UTC closing because of COVID-19. DeSoto Square in Bradenton announces its plan
Taubman Centers Inc. on Thursday announced that it is temporarily closing the Mall at University Town Center and its shopping centers in nine other states in response to COVID-19.
The closures will be effective at the close of business on Thursday and will continue through March 29, or later if required by state or local government, Taubman announced in a press release.
“After numerous discussions with state and local officials, we will temporarily cease operations in all but two centers this evening,” said the company’s Chairman, President and CEO Robert S. Taubman.
“We are clearly in unprecedented times and this is right decision for our shoppers, retailers, employees and these communities,” Taubman said.
In Florida, Taubman also operates Dolphin Mall in Miami and International Plaza in Tampa.
The closing of the Mall at UTC comes less than 24 hours after Ellenton Premium Outlets closed due to COVID-19 concerns.
Tuesday, managers of the Mall at UTC’s reduced operating hours. Even though the mall was staying open, some of the tenants, including anchor Macy’s, closed on Wednesday.
At DeSoto Square mall in Bradenton, JC Penney, and several of the other larger stories were shuttered on Thursday. DeSoto Square will remain open through Sunday with reduced hours and then close Monday, except for one wing facing the Firestone business. DeSoto Square’s temporary hours during the coronavirus crisis are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday.
One wing is remaining open to give access to a rent-a-car business there, a mall employee said Thursday. A security guard will be posted at the entrance.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 4:06 PM.
