VERO BEACH — The building project manager for the new 3 Avenues Shopping Center at Miracle Mile and Indian River Boulevard took a call while bounding up the stairs to his office. “We’re really busy,” a breathless Jack Sherry told a visitor. He expects the plaza to be 75 percent rented by the end of this week.
The construction on the long-delayed shopping center finally got underway in earnest in the fall and five new stores will join the existing businesses in the complex sometime around April 1.
Soma Intimates, a lingerie shop, and White House Black Market, a women’s clothing and accessory shop, are among those expected to sign contracts to open in the new space.
They will join Panera Bread, Joey’s Bistro, Chico’s and Shandong Noodle House which occupy existing buildings in the 3 Avenues complex.
“We’re excited something is finally happening after months of slowdown,” said developer Scott Parker.
For months, construction seemed stalled at the property that borders State Road 60 and Indian River Boulevard. Weeds sprouted on a large mound of earth on the property while Parker waited for all building permits to be approved.
But recently, he said, all papers were in order, and things began moving full steam ahead.
With the addition of Christmas palm trees and with new retail shops about to open, Joey’s Bistro owner Donna Cataldo said the 3 Avenues complex finally is beginning to feel like “the oasis for shopping and dining” she envisioned when she moved in and opened up her restaurant and nightspot.
“We’re thrilled that things are finally happening,” she said.
In a few days, Parker is heading back to Bejing, where he owns a travel agency, which focuses on bringing Chinese tourists to Florida.
To Vero Beach to shop at 3 Avenues?
“No, to the Orlando area,” Parker said. “But, if they did come here to Vero Beach, they’d love Shandong Noodle house because it’s authentic.”
While Parker is in Bejing, building manager Sherry will negotiate more contracts for 3 Avenues.
“After no progress for so long, it’s great to anticipate having tenants for 90 percent of the space before the end of February,” he said.
The center will have 21 retail spaces when the new construction is completed later this year.