The indoor portion of University Place is entirely closed off to the public amid Governor Cooper’s stay-at-home order. But there’s some renovation going on both inside and out that will make the mall different the next time patrons visit.

Phase 1 of redevelopment of the University Place mall has begun, with construction work being done in the west end of the mall between the southern entrance and the bartaco restaurant. The renovation is removing an external wall, which had a yellow and green mural of eyes, to build more space for retail.

The phase will allow three potential businesses to have exterior entrances, a goal of the new ownership group Ram Realty. After purchasing University Place in late 2018, the real estate company said its vision is to modernize the mall by activating more outdoor areas and entrances for businesses. Hawkers Asian Street Fare, which had its grand opening in mid-March, is part of Phase 1 and features outdoor patio seating options.

Concept art for University Place mall following Phase 1 renovations. (Photo via University Place.)
Concept art for University Place mall following Phase 1 renovations. (Photo via University Place.)

It is unclear what the next phases of renovation for University Place will be. The last potential designs for the mall Ram Realty has released were presented to the Town of Chapel Hill Community Design Commission and Town Council in October. Plans showed three options that all aimed to and featured significant renovation to the eastern end of the mall where Southern Season used to be.

But the design commission members unanimously said they wished to see more transformative change, since designs still showed a largely-indoor mall with lots of surface parking. The commission requested more housing opportunities and stormwater retention as well.

Phase 1 renovations of University Place are expected to be completed by late June. It is unclear how the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has affected the project’s timeline.

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