Artegon Marketplace reveals expansion plans
Artegon Marketplace unveiled new enhancements, tenants and expansion plans today that complement the 1.1 million-square-foot shopping attraction and artisan marketplace located on the north end of International Drive. The new developments represent a multi-million dollar investment by the property’s owner, New York-based Lightstone, and will generate approximately 400 new jobs by the end of 2016.
Today’s reveal featured a significant transformation to the center’s most distinguishing feature: its collection of over 165 artisans selling one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items made by local masters. Florida’s largest daily indoor artisan marketplace now boasts fully built-out custom storefronts themed to reflect each merchant’s goods. Examples include:
– A stone brick façade adorned with hand-made doilies, tea cups, door knobs and other European shabby chic items beckons guests to enter Via Francesca, selling hand-crafted gifts and accessories, including painted glassware, hand-stamped flatware and jewelry.
– SOS Art Gallery’s exterior is crafted from hundreds of variant colored wooden planks – echoing the eclectic and wide variety of hand-made cards, artwork, and other gift items showcased within.
– Elemental Bonsai & Tea Garden’s rice paper doors create the feel of a journey to Japan.
– The storefront of Bowes Signature Soy Candles selling hand-poured candles and related items is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century New England shop with gas lamps flanking the entryway.
Slated to join the artisan marketplace’s existing line-up of anchor tenants and in-line stores are Sky Zone indoor trampoline park, occupying 24,000 square feet (fall 2015); the area’s first NYZ Apocalypse, a unique interactive zombie survival experience within a 45,000-square-foot space (early 2016); and Pita and Spice Co. restaurant (early 2016). With the artisan marketplace 90 percent occupied, the center’s leasing team is actively promoting in-line store space and food and beverage kiosks, with additional announcements forthcoming.
The shop-local options at Artegon Marketplace will grow substantially by the end of 2016 with the opening of Eat Street, a 25,000-square-foot food hall, inspired by such culinary bazaars as Seattle’s Pike Place and Boston’s Faneuil Hall. Guests can select from a wide array of fresh delectables to eat on site, take away for picnics, or package for gift giving and future enjoyment, all from local vendors — many sourcing farm-to-table ingredients. A farmer’s market held on select days and cooking classes will complement the hall.
“Since its opening one year ago, Artegon Marketplace’s bold new retail experiment – unlike any other in the U.S. – continues to evolve,” said Lightstone Chief Creative Officer David Miskin. “We have acquired what was once an underperforming mall and transformed it into a thriving, eclectic retail destination that defies the norm.”
Additional enhancements and developments announced or unveiled today include:
– A glimpse into Cinemark’s newly renovated, luxury-styled theaters (scheduled for completion fall 2015)
– ARTegon Co-op, an ever-evolving gallery featuring well-known national and local pop artists, including area favorites SKIP, Chris “Tobar” Rodriguez and Boy Kong
– Stand-alone 10’x12’-square-foot “cottage units” providing entry-level retailing opportunities
– New, plush common area furniture and fresh, modern tables and seating in a variety of configurations – long community tables, high tops and more
– A bicycle-powered mobile device recharging station
– Eclectic, artistic and interactive elements and visual accents, such as From Artegon With Love, a postcard mailing station (fill out a card and the center will mail it for free); and a community chalkboard for creative expression by guests
– Artegon’s new branding campaign and website (rolling out in early November)
– Remodeled men’s and women’s bathrooms
– Guest Ambassadors – many students from UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management – who are focused on providing exemplary customer service
Artegon’s leadership also announced the line-up for its Anti-Ordinary First Anniversary Spectacular, a week-long celebration featuring free admission festivities and amped up signature events to be held November 16 through 21.
The event kicks off on Monday, November 16 with a free wine stroll and tasting of more than 10 varieties of vino with a special guest appearance by one of the The Real Housewives of New Jersey. It then continues nightly with special events for every age, from a movie night to family food truck rally; and culminates on Saturday, November 21 with a free live concert hosted by Orlando hometown favorite, Joey Fatone from the legendary boyband N’SYNC.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 6-9 P.M. Sip. Stroll. Shop.
Cheers to Artegon’s anniversary!! During this signature event, Wine Stroll guests will meander by wine tasting stations scattered throughout the entire center. Shoppers can sample more than 10 varieties paired with bite-sized morsels that perfectly enhance each wine – all for free. Sip and stroll through the center while enjoying live Jazz and Flamenco music. As you’re sauntering from station to station, you might just bump into New Jersey Housewife Melissa Gorga! Be among the first 150 shoppers in line at the anniversary edition of the Wine Stroll and receive a commemorative Artegon-embossed stemless wine glass. Do a little shopping. Earn free movie tickets.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 5-7 P.M. The Art of Beer
Craft beers have tapped into America’s love of suds. The celebration continues on Tuesday with the anniversary edition of The Art of Beer. Sample and savor more than 10 styles of Florida craft beers. The first 150 guests in attendance will enjoy their brewskis from a commemorative Artegon-embossed glass mug. Use the mug to try out one, three or all 10 of the craft beers. What else goes well with beer? Food and music! Enjoy discounted meals from Artegon food vendors while kicking back to the Smoking Torpedoes. Real Radio 104.1 talk show host favorite Dirty Jim will make an appearance and give away prizes to local loyal fans. And that’s not all. Former Orlando Magic basketball player Nick Anderson will be there.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 6:30-10:30 P.M. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Come watch the most eagerly awaited movie of the year and celebrate the Cinemark Theatre’s renovation at Artegon Marketplace. Check out The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 2 at Cinemark Artegon. Let the battle commence on an extra large, ceiling-to-ceiling screen with custom sound, all in the comfort of stadium seating. Stay tuned to see how you can win tickets to a sneak preview of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 before the entire country sees it.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 11 A.M. – 8 P.M. Prize Day, All Day
As a “Thank You” to everyone who’s made Artegon Marketplace the area’s most eclectic, diverse and truly original shopping, culinary and entertaining venue, the center is giving away prizes every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. to lucky shoppers. Prizes include gift cards to a number of Artegon’s new retailers and artisans, free meals at the center’s eateries, free movie passes – and other unexpected surprises throughout the day. In order to win the prizes, shoppers must be present.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 5-9 P.M. Food Truck Family Night
Bring the entire family to Food Truck Family Night on Friday and taste the offerings of local gourmet food trucks, with selections cooked fresh right on the spot. Shoppers who spend $20 or more during the event will receive a $5 Food Truck Buck to spend at any food truck of their choice. Enjoy meet-and-greet opportunities with mascots UCF’s Knightro, Solar Bears’ Shades, Orlando Magic’s Stuff and Orlando City’s street team.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Artegon’s Festival of Music
The grand finale of Artegon’s Anti-Ordinary Anniversary Week Spectacular is Artegon’s Festival of Music, including all-time favorites and up-and-coming recording artists and entertainers. The entire community is invited to experience the stylings of the following recording superstars and entertainers at this free concert. Check out www.artegon.com for dates and times but here are some of the performers:
SAMANTHA MUMBA
Samantha Mumba is an Irish singer and actress whose hit single Gotta Tell You reached the Top 10 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland in 2000. Her album Gotta Tell You stayed on the charts for six months and is certified platinum with a total of four million copies sold to date. Mumba enjoyed five more Top 10 hits in the UK and her song Baby, Come Over peaked at 50 on the US charts.
JUDY TORRES
Judy Torres is known as “The Queen of Freestyle.” She scored club hits with songs such as Please Stay Tonight, Come into My Arms, Love Story, I Love You, Will You Love Me, No Reason to Cry, and chart- topping remake of Journey’s Faithfully. Torres has performed non-stop to sold out crowds since the release of her first single in 1987. In 1998, Torres joined New York’s 103.5 FM KTU as an on-air personality.
AARON CARTER
Aaron Carter came to fame very early in life at the age of seven and released his first self-titled debut album at the age of 10. He was one the biggest teenage heart throbs in the late 1990’s and in the early 2000’s. Carter’s second album Aaron’s Party (Come Get It) put him on the map, selling 1.5 million copies. He is set to release new music in early 2016. In addition, Carter has recently starred in the Broadway classic Fantasticks, and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
BEFORE YOU EXIT (BYE)
This Orlando-based band consists of three brothers: Connor, 21 (vocals/guitar); Riley, 19, (lead vocals); and Toby, 17, (vocals, guitar). They caught the attention of the legendary music manager Johnny Wright, who signed the group. Wright also manages Justin Timberlake and many others. BYE was named the winners of the Macy’s iHeart Radio Rising Star campaign, and performed at the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. BYE has had three hit singles on the Radio Disney charts.
ROB BASE
Part of the hip hop duo with DJ E-Z Rock, Rob Base is most famous for his hit single It Takes two. This song was a Top 40 hit and became platinum, along with their album. They were also known for being pioneers of the crossover success that rap music would have in the popular music mainstream.
JOEY FATONE
Best known as a member of the legendary boyband N’SYNC, Joey Fatone’s current hosting gigs include the announcer on Family Feud; Food Network’s Rewrapped; and Live Well Network’s My Family Recipe Rocks. Joey is also guest host of the live version of The Price is Right in Las Vegas.
Check back frequently at Artegon Marketplace’s website for updates on all anniversary week events dates, times and locations. Talent appearances subject to change without notice.
