Phil McConnell named general manager, Becky Orsi-Faircloth named marketing/specialty leasing manager
(SAVANNAH, GA) Urban Retail, LLC, one of the nation’s leading third-party real estate management firms, has assumed management, leasing and marketing of the Savannah Mall. The firm, which manages more than 80 properties in 29 states, will help revitalize the 960,000-sqaure-foot, two-level mall, located at 14045 Abercorn Street.
The Urban Retail team plans to develop new leasing and marketing strategies, reposition the 23-year-old shopping mall, and forge new relationships with the city, county and community organizations.
“The Savannah Mall and the Urban Retail team have many positive changes in store,” said Savannah Mall General Manager Phil McConnell, who noted that sales at the mall increased by 2 percent in 2012. “We are making improvements to the mall’s physical appearance, actively marketing the center to national and local retailers, and capitalizing on the unique mix of anchors.”
McConnell comes to the Savannah Mall from General Growth Properties/Oglethorpe Mall, where he served as senior general manager. He has more than 37 years of experience in the shopping center industry, working for 10 different developers in 10 different states. McConnell is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in political science and also received a Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSM) credential from the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Becky Orsi-Faircloth has also joined the Savannah Mall’s new management team as marketing/specialty leasing manager. Orsi-Faircloth previously served as a group business development representative for General Growth Properties/Oglethorpe Mall. She has more than 28 years of experience with eight developers in four states. Orsi-Faircloth received a bachelor of science degree in public relations and broadcasting from Mississippi University for Women.
Both McConnell and Faircloth have been in the Savannah market for more than 20 years.
About the Savannah Mall
The Savannah Mall, located at 14045 Abercorn Street, features anchor stores Bass Pro Shops, Dillard’s, Target, Burlington Coat Factory and A.C. Moore. The 960,000-square-foot, two-level mall, which opened in 1990, is also home to national retailers including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Gymboree, Game Stop, Champs, Claire’s, Hibbet Sporting Goods, Finish Line, Kay Jewelers, Marks & Morgan Jewelers, Shoe Dept., Zales Jewelers, Rue 21 and Cato. The Savannah Mall also boasts a growing number of locally owned businesses, among them Savannah Piano, LiveOak Orchids, Signature Furniture, Rene’s Boutique and Fitness Emporium. Virginia College, located on the lower level of the Savannah Mall, offers a variety of classes in areas such as cosmetology, medical billing, culinary arts, business, healthcare and more.
The Savannah Mall’s Food Court features a diverse selection of eateries, including Chick-fil-a, Savannah Gyro, Sbarro Italian Eatery, China Max, Sakkio Japan, Cajun Café and Subway. Other dining options at the mall include Ruby Tuesdays and Texas Roadhouse, along with Savannah Candy Co. and Cold Stone Creamery. The Savannah Mall has a number of options for children, among them a soft play area and Coach Wayne Gymnastics, which offers tumbling and gymnastics classes and an open gym.
For more information about the Savannah Mall, please visit www.savannahmall.com or call 912-927-7467. For leasing information, please contact Becky Orsi-Faircloth, marketing/specialty leasing manager at 912-927-9663 or orsib@urbanretail.com .
About Urban Retail Properties
Urban Retail Properties, LLC is one of the nation’s leading third-party real estate management firms, specializing in regional malls, community centers and big-box portfolios. Urban currently manages a diverse portfolio with more than 80 properties in 29 states. As an independent, privately held company headquartered in Chicago, Urban was formed more than 35 years ago, developing more than 75 domestic and international and mixed-use properties throughout the decades. Urban developed a multitude of world-class shopping centers including Water Tower Place, 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago, Copley Place in Boston, the redevelopment of the Houston Galleria and Old Orchard Center in Skokie, Ill. For more information about Urban Retail Properties, please visit www.urbanretail.com.