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Construction workers work on improvements for University Place, including a new road that goes from 800 East to State Street on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Orem. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald

Dominic Valente

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Construction workers work on improvements for University Place, including a new road that goes from 800 East to State Street on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Orem. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald

Dominic Valente

3 / 4

Construction workers work on improvements for University Place, including a new road that goes from 800 East to State Street on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Orem. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald

Dominic Valente

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Construction workers work on improvements for University Place, including a new road that goes from 800 East to State Street on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Orem. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald

Dominic Valente

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What’s up at University Place?

For one thing, a road now goes through the mall property. Orem residents and other drivers can now connect from 800 East to State Street along the north side of the mall. The road will officially open Monday.

“The connectivity between State Street and 800 East will be a wonderful addition to University Place,” said Steven Downs, Orem city spokesman. “It will allow better access to the site while alleviating some of the pressure from University Parkway.”

There are still a few things being done to complete the ambiance of the roadway including the installation of street lights, planters and sidewalks.

Residents and visitors watching the transformation of the old University Mall can tell you the street isn’t the only thing that’s changing.

According to Rob Kallas, general manager of University Place, all the underground infrastructure has been put in place for several things including a future hotel, office buildings, living quarters and a parking terrace.

“We’re excited,” Kallas said. “Our new office building is now complete, with 60 percent occupancy expected by fall.”

Kallas noted the completion of the four-story electronic LED artscape on the corner of the building facing the intersection of University Parkway and State Street. It’s a new kind of screen and is considered a part of the building structure. For those working in the office it acts as a sort of sunscreen, but it does not alter any of the views for those looking out from inside the building.

Downs praised the ongoing work being done by mall owners, Woodbury Corp.

“Woodbury continues to uphold their end of the deal,” he said. “Everything that they said they were going to do, they have done.

“The leasing for University Place continues to show that Utah County, and especially Orem, has needed this type of development to meet the demand of today and of the future.”

Among the ongoing construction at the mall is the addition of two restaurant buildings connected to Macy’s on the south side. Woodbury is also rebuilding the mall entrance between Macy’s and The Old Spaghetti Factory.

Kallas said it will be a grander main entrance. The entrance and the restaurants spaces will be completed by Nov. 1.

“We said it would take about six to seven years to complete,” Kallas said. “We’re pretty much on target.”

Here is what is on the upcoming construction docket:

— With the completion of the new road, the parking surfaces are being repaved and striped and will be available for those coming to the park.

— The new park and children’s playground adjacent to H&M and Forever 21 on the north side will be complete by the first of October. A ribbon-cutting event is expected on Oct. 3.

“We’ve hired an event planner who is already working on the park grand opening, Christmas events and things for spring and summer next year,” Kallas said. “There will be something going on everyday, from yoga class to outdoor movies to Zumba classes. There will be four pavilions for eating and listening to music.”

Kallas noted the children’s outdoor play area is enclosed and only accessible from inside the mall for the safety of the children.

“I think it will be a super addition,” Kallas said.

— The Aston Apartments on 800 East and 1000 South have completed the first building and is 90 percent full. The second building was just completed at the end of June and is approximately 25 percent filled. The third and fourth buildings are under construction.

— A car wash is being built just north of the Costco gas station.

Woodbury is still anticipating four more office buildings, a parking terrace that will also feature unique apartments, and a hotel. Kallas said he expects the hotel to be open in two years and servicing customers.

Inside the mall, there are some changes and refurbishing taking place. There are approximately 180 stores in the mall.

Kallas said he wished he could talk about everything going on and negotiations for new tenants, but he did say people won’t be disappointed.

On social media and other outlets, Orem residents continue to buzz about the new developments around the complex.

“We anticipate some very exciting announcements in the coming weeks and months,” Downs said.