June 10, 2015
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Tom Nardacci – (518) 326-6400 or (518) 817-2032
International Retail Developer has Major Renovation Plans for Rotterdam Square Mall
Plans for $10 million investment in the property, creating Family Entertainment Zone and Aquarium
ROTTERDAM, NY — Via Port USA announced today significant plans for Rotterdam Square Mall, a property that they recently acquired. The company will invest $10 million, which will include the brand new, 25,000 square foot Rotterdam Aquarium, an almost 30,000 square foot Family Entertainment Zone and a complete facelift to update the visual appeal of the mall.
“We are very enthusiastic about investing in Rotterdam Square Mall and we see tremendous potential in the property,” said Cenk Hayirlioglu, who oversees U.S. operations for Via Port USA. “Schenectady County is the place to be and our vision fits seamlessly with the area’s growth. Our significant investment will transform the mall into an entertainment destination for the whole family. We have experience transforming properties like Rotterdam Square Mall into successful ventures and creating unique experiences for our patrons.”
“This major $10 million investment is great news for Rotterdam and Schenectady County,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The new Rotterdam Mall will be another exciting reason to visit Schenectady County.”
The one-of-a-kind Rotterdam Aquarium will become a must-see attraction within the region. The educational aspects will appeal to a variety of groups, from families and school groups to children’s birthday parties. Visitors will see aquatic creatures, like sharks and deep-sea fish, from the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and other exotic regions. Via Properties already has two successful aquariums at its mall properties in Turkey and components of the aquarium are already being built there.
The Family Entertainment Zone will feature a bowling alley, sports bar and restaurant and more than 50 arcade games. It will be positioned near the Rotterdam Aquarium, creating an entire wing of the mall dedicated to family fun.
“Capital Region residents, local officials and our existing tenants should be excited about these investments,” added Hayirlioglu. “We are serious about our plans to revitalize this mall and make it something the area can be proud of.”
Via Properties, which is based in Istanbul, Turkey, is a major developer of malls, marinas, hotels and amusement parks around the world. The company is currently redeveloping a mall property in Leesburg, Florida as Via Port Florida.
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