The Bell Tower Shops is known for its relaxed atmosphere, landscaping, water fountains and ample seating. The mall is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Michael Kirk’s Portfolio art gallery and custom framing store at the Bell Tower Shops is the last remaining original tenant at the mall that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Bell Tower Shops celebrating its 25th year anniversary and Cheryl Kirk, part owner of Portfolio, has been there the entire time.
"People think it's upscale but compared to other malls ... it has a charm to it and it's a beautiful place to spend time," Kirk said. "We've been in town for a long time and we are happy to celebrate the anniversary."
Portfolio was the first store to open at the mall.
The anniversary is a big one for the 352,000-square-foot mall because locals and visitors have come to appreciate the variety of shopping and activities available.
"It's convenient to a lot of our customers and we also have a great mix of retail, entertainment and restaurants," said Becky Thompson, the mall's general manager for 7 1/2 years. "Location is a rule of thumb in this type of business and people appreciate that."
The mall, which has been owned and managed by Madison Marquette Realty Services since 1995, has grown over the years to include 52 stores and a renovated movie theatre.
"The new development company brought in more national
retail stores and over the years has gotten better," said Kirk, adding that her fine art reproductions and custom framing store has seen an increased in its customer base as well.
"(Management) are very hands on, proactive and really worked to build this."
Working to build a successful mall on Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41 — once a little developed area — has taken years of planning and listening to their customers.
"We have gone with what customers want as far as tenants ... we just did another survey this past spring," said Thompson about the mall that is constantly maintained to keep up with the times. "It doesn't look that old but we keep it up to date and the tenant mix is very special."
The mall is decorated with water fountains, an abundance of trees, ample seating and has become a mecca for those looking for a different shopping experience.
"The way it was built originally, all the stores face in and there are some sign limitations so people don't know what's in it until they come in," Kirk said.
"When you come in, you see fountains, landscaping and see that it's a beautiful place to bring people, relax and enjoy the day or night."
The mall's layout is unique because the court center hosts events such as live music on Friday nights and a host of activities during the holidays.
"It's different and unique and it's just not your typical mall," said Vicky Kearns, the manager of Key West Boutique, whose 1,300-square-foot specialty boutique faces the courtyard. "Our store has evolved as the mall has grown and it's all better."
The growth of the mall has followed the area's increased population.
"The population grew so fast in 2002 to 2006 that we found that we were in the perfect location and reaping the benefits of that," said Thompson, who plans to spend the next 25 years continuing to grow the mall. "We are a tourist destination so we try to give it the feel that people who visit expect and it makes people want to come back."
Frank Tripodi drives from Cape Coral to Bell Tower because of what the mall offers.
"In Cape Coral we don't have anywhere like this to sit and enjoy the day," said Tripodi, 45, while enjoying a sunny day at the mall. "It's nice that you can come and just sit and enjoy the environment."
That environment — the offering to customers a relaxing atmosphere and a mix of activities — Kirk said, is what makes the Bell Tower Shops a special place to visit.
"People who come here to shop expect a certain level of service and we are able to give that to them ... unlike a big corporate shopping center," said Kirk, who in 25 years got married, had children and expanded her store, all while working at Bell Tower. "We feel like our customers are a second family for us and we really enjoy being here."
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