WESLEY CHAPEL — As malls continue to struggle to find their footing, the Shops at Wiregrass says it is taking big steps to ensure it remains a vital part of Wesley Chapel.

You could say The Shops at Wiregrass are the OGs of Wesley Chapel, debuting in 2008 when there was little else.

However, the landscape has significantly changed since then and grown increasingly more competitive. With additional food and shopping offerings at locations like the Tampa Premium Outlets down the road on State Road 56, the popular Krate at the Grove on State Road 54, and larger planned developments like Avalon Park and the forthcoming Legacy downtown project in Wiregrass Ranch giving residents plenty of options for shopping, dining and just hanging out, the Shops at Wiregrass is looking to evolve.

“The goal of the property refresh is to continue making the Shops at Wiregrass a one-stop shop for all things shopping, dining and entertainment in the Wesley Chapel community,” said general manager Sarah Williams.

TriGate Capital, which paid $70.5 million for the 800,000-square-foot mall in 2023, recently began a project that will transform the Center Court, best known for its performances and annual Symphony in Lights holiday celebration, between Paseo Drive and Piazza Avenue.

The open-air green space will receive new landscaping, an enhanced fountain, large shade structures, updated lighting and new seating areas.

The two fountains along Paseo Drive will also be enhanced with more seating and shaded areas, and landscaping the company says will create a “garden-like” atmosphere to promote its walkability as an outdoor mall.

Its outdoor Fresh Market at Wiregrass Ranch, open on the first and third Saturday of every month, continues to be a popular destination for fans of open-air markets.

“We see ourselves as transcending the conventional notion of a mall, embracing our identity as a premier outdoor lifestyle destination,” Williams said. “We are dedicated to continuous evolution, enriching our property with new retailers, engaging events, lush greenery, and walkability that surpasses the offerings of traditional malls.”

The mall already has, arguably, the best selection of restaurants of any mall in Central Florida, with places like Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, Grillsmith New American Grill, Noble Crust, Azteca D’Oro and others. The refresh will also include Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine, expected to open later this year.

The Shops at Wiregrass has also added craft showcase Market in the Mall to the Center Court, and upscale women’s clothing store Anthropologie, with more to come.

“We are always listening to our customers’ feedback and looking for ways to innovate the property to meet and exceed the wants and needs of our guests,” Williams said. “We’ve added more variety to our store offerings and expanded areas for spending time mingling and connecting with others to promote time spent at The Shops at Wiregrass.”