Bloomfield Hills-based Taubman Centers Inc., which owns, operates, and manages luxury shopping malls globally, today announced The Mall of San Juan, which has been closed since Sept. 19 following the impact of Hurricane Maria, will reopen tomorrow at 11 a.m.
“Our hearts go out to all of the residents of Puerto Rico during this time of difficulty. We are so grateful that our mall management team and their families are healthy and safe,” says Robert Taubman, chairman, president, and CEO of Taubman Centers. “We know there is a long road ahead for so many and we want to be of service and support.”
In addition to reopening the shopping center, Taubman and The Mall of San Juan are beginning a year-long community service program including making donations to Unidos Por Puerto Rico, Cruz Roja Americana, ConPRmetidos, The Salvation Army, and the Para la Naturaleza Community Fund. Other initiatives will be announced in the future. The collective efforts will result in more than $100,00 of cash and in-kind support for Puerto Rico, the company says.
During Hurricane Maria, The Mall of San Juan incurred some damage from interior water, while landscaping and exterior signage were impacted. But the interior common area was relatively unharmed. Restoration efforts for the impacted areas are ongoing, but the island’s unstable power has resulted in several delays. Taubman is installing large generators to allow the mall to operate if power continues to be intermittent.
“Our hope is that through our community outreach efforts, we can help serve those in need,” says José Ayala Bonilla, general manager of The Mall of San Juan. “We want to do what we can to help restore our beloved community.”
The Mall of San Juan will have 50-60 tenants capable of serving customers, with additional tenants reopening in time for the holidays. Of the anchor tenants, Nordstrom is currently in the process of determining a rebuilding strategy and plans to reopen as quickly as possible. Saks Fifth Avenue has not provided an update about repairs or a reopening date.
The center’s temporary hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until normal business hours are resumed. The Mall of San Juan is located at the south end of the Teodoro Moscoso Bridge near the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. More information can be found here.
