RD Management Hires New Chief Development Strategist to Spearhead the Redevelopment of University Mall in Tampa, Florida

RD Management LLC, one of the nation’s largest privately held real-estate development and management organizations, announced today the hiring of Christopher Bowen as Chief Development Strategist to manage the redevelopment project  of  University Mall in Tampa, Florida. Chris brings over 25 years of national commercial development experience. Chris’s permanent office will be located at the property.

University Mall, a member of Tampa’s !p (formerly known as Tampa Innovation Alliance), is undergoing a transformation from an enclosed mall into a full mixed-use, City Center development that will include retail, entertainment, hospitality, education, medical, office, and residential uses.

The 1.3 million-square-foot center is located at 2200 East Fowler Avenue and easily accessible by major highways I-275 and I-75. Connected by University Square Drive, University Mall is just a stone’s throw away from the University of South Florida’s main campus with more than 47,000 students and 16,000 faculty and staff members. Tenants include Sears, Dillard’s, Burlington, Grand’s, Studio Movie Grill, Portillo’s, and Miller’s Ale House.

“University Mall is well on its way to becoming a destination to meet any need for residents, students, and employees, and we’re proud to share this next step in the redevelopment process with the Tampa community,” said Roger Hirschhorn, COO of RD Management. “Chris Bowen is a critical piece in the Mall’s success as he brings the experience and expertise needed to really push the envelope and make RD Management’s vision for the property a reality.”

As Chief Development Strategist, Bowen will lead the multi-year redevelopment at University Mall and oversee all aspects including working with the Tampa’s !p partners and the community at-large to maximize the Project’s development potential and recruit major national players to the Project. With a past focus on mixed-use, retail, medical, and corporate property types, Bowen has participated in over 15 million square feet of development in 39 states, representing more than $3.5 billion in project value. More than $500 million of that development was in the State of Florida.

“RD Management’s 100-acre University Mall presents the ultimate opportunity to further support the continued development of the many premier retail brands currently on site and create the next level of a live-work-play environment in unison with the greater initiatives for the Tampa area,” said Bowen. “I look forward to getting to know the community, our tenants, and our partners and the opportunity to call Florida home once again.”

University Mall is one of 12 properties owned by RD Management across Florida, and one of more than 150 properties in its national portfolio. Those interested in leasing existing space at University Mall can contact John Morrell at (813) 971-3466 or Jonathon.morrell@cbre.com. For those interested in space opportunities related to new development, please contact Christopher Bowen at (813) 971-3466 or cbowen@RDManagement.com or Dave Conn at (813) 273-8440 or david.conn@cbre.com.