Phipps Plaza General Manager Eric Howard is busy this month, overseeing the expansion of one of our favorite shopping destinations. We caught up with him for a behind-the-scenes look.
BH: What’s happening inside?
EH: Inside the redevelopment, new landmarks are taking shape, including One Phipps Plaza office tower; the North American and global headquarters for Novelis, a world leader in aluminum recycling; Nobu Hotel & Restaurant; Citizens Culinary Market, a new lifestyle culinary experience; and Life Time® luxury athletic club.
BH: What redevelopment tenants will be open first, and when?
EH: One of the first redevelopment tenants to open will be Nobu Hotel and Restaurant early fall. This globally established luxury lifestyle brand, founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, will blend hotel and restaurant into one unique experience, including 152 rooms, a striking rooftop pool, a spa and corporate conference space.
Also debuting early fall, Life Time at Phipps Plaza will feature healthy living and entertainment in its signature athletic club to create a unique wellness experience. The luxurious, four-level, 90,000 square-foot resort-like athletic club will showcase the ultimate in-studio yoga and cycle classes; small group and personal training; a full-service LifeSpa; a fast-casual LifeCafe; a Life Time Kids Academy; and a lavish rooftop pool, beach club and bistro.
Life Time Work, located on the second level of Life Time, will occupy 25,000 sq. feet of elegantly designed private office and open-plan workspaces that promote a healthy lifestyle at work, resulting in members being more productive, engaged and fulfilled.
BH: How long has Phipps been on the scene?
EH: We’re delighted to build on more than four decades as the Southeast’s luxury leader. The reimagined Phipps Plaza lets guests explore the best in shopping, dining, hospitality, and entertainment in the state.
For more details on the reimagined Phipps Plaza, visit Simon.com/phipps-reimagined