Arizona Mills
An enclosed outlet and entertainment mall in Tempe, Arizona, serving the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Last updated August 22, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
Arizona Mills is an enclosed outlet shopping and entertainment center in Tempe, Arizona, at the southeast corner of Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 60. It is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area and has been positioned as both a value-oriented retail destination and a tourist attraction. The property was developed under the Mills Corporation's Landmark Mills concept, which combined outlet retail with dining, cinemas, family attractions, and other forms of entertainment. Although its name includes "Mills," the center is not associated with Mill Avenue, the nearby shopping and entertainment district in central Tempe. The development partnership was announced on March 24, 1996, between The Mills Corporation, Taubman Centers, and Simon DeBartolo Group. The partners selected a roughly 115-acre site and planned an approximately 1.2-million-square-foot outlet mall. Arizona Mills opened on November 20, 1997, with about 200 retailers and approximately 6,000 parking spaces. Its opening-day retail offer was supplemented by entertainment attractions, including a GameWorks venue that opened shortly before the mall's grand opening. An IMAX 3D prototype opened several days later and eventually became part of the Harkins Theatres operation at the property. The mall was originally organized into six themed neighborhoods. These areas used different architectural treatments to help visitors navigate the large enclosed complex, but later renovations removed or reduced much of the original theming. Over time, Arizona Mills expanded its non-retail role. Sea Life Arizona Aquarium opened in May 2010, adding a year-round marine attraction with an ocean tunnel and interactive exhibits. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona opened in April 2016 after Simon Property Group and Merlin Entertainments announced the project in 2015. These attractions reinforced the center's family-oriented and tourism-focused positioning. Ownership and management changed substantially after opening. Simon Property Group acquired The Mills Corporation's portfolio in 2007 in a transaction undertaken with Farallon Capital Management, and Arizona Mills was subsequently marketed within the Mills portfolio as a Simon property. Simon bought out Farallon's interest in 2012 and acquired Taubman Centers' remaining interest in January 2014, giving Simon full ownership. The property has consequently remained within Simon's national portfolio while retaining the Arizona Mills name. The tenant mix has also evolved. A JCPenney Outlet Store was converted into JC's 5 Star Outlet in October 2011, but that concept closed at Arizona Mills in December 2013. In 2014, Simon and Villa Restaurant Group renovated the food court into the Food Hall by Villa, adding multiple dining concepts and updating the interior finishes and lighting. GameWorks closed in January 2016 and was replaced by Tilt Studio later that year. Harkins Theatres announced theater improvements in 2021, including upgraded projection equipment, electric reclining loungers, and an in-lobby bar. Arizona Mills temporarily closed in March 2020 as Simon shut its U.S. malls during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened in May 2020 under social-distancing and related public-health measures. In 2024, Conn's HomePlus announced the closure of its stores as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, affecting its Arizona Mills location. Reclectic opened at the mall in January 2025. The center remains an active Simon-operated retail and entertainment destination, combining outlet stores, restaurants, cinemas, and family attractions.
History
Arizona Mills emerged from the Mills Corporation's strategy of developing large, themed outlet centers that combined discount-oriented retail with entertainment. The development partnership involving The Mills Corporation, Taubman Centers, and Simon DeBartolo Group was announced in March 1996. The partners selected a large parcel at the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 60 in Tempe and planned an approximately 1.2-million-square-foot center. The site had previously been associated with Taubman ownership. The mall opened on November 20, 1997, with roughly 200 retailers and about 6,000 parking spaces. Its design divided the complex into six neighborhoods, each originally given a distinct architectural identity. The arrangement was intended to make the large enclosed property easier to navigate while supporting the Mills Corporation's broader "shoppertainment" model. Entertainment was present from the beginning: a GameWorks venue opened shortly before the mall's retail debut, and an IMAX 3D prototype opened several days afterward. The cinema later became part of the Harkins Theatres operation and was marketed as Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills with IMAX. The property's ownership structure shifted repeatedly. Simon Property Group sold a 50 percent interest to Taubman Centers in 2002. In 2007, Simon acquired The Mills Corporation's portfolio in a transaction conducted with Farallon Capital Management, bringing Arizona Mills into Simon's Mills-related property network. Simon later acquired Farallon's stake in 2012, taking full management control of the portfolio. Taubman sold its remaining 50 percent interest in Arizona Mills to Simon in January 2014, leaving Simon as the mall's sole owner and operator. Arizona Mills broadened its leisure and tourism offer during the 2010s. Sea Life Arizona Aquarium opened on May 15, 2010, with marine exhibits, interactive touch pools, and a 360-degree underwater tunnel. In retail, the JCPenney Outlet Store was converted to JC's 5 Star Outlet in October 2011 after JCPenney moved its strategic focus toward department stores and digital operations. The replacement concept did not succeed and closed in December 2013 along with the wider division. A major food-service renovation was announced in April 2014 and completed that August. Simon and Villa Restaurant Group transformed the former food court into the Food Hall by Villa, introducing ten dining options and refreshed finishes, landscaping elements, and lighting. In 2015, Simon and Merlin Entertainments announced that Legoland Discovery Center would be developed at the mall. The attraction opened on April 22, 2016, strengthening Arizona Mills' family-oriented identity. GameWorks closed permanently in January 2016 and was replaced by Tilt Studio in August of that year. The mall's original themed environments have been reduced through later renovations, with the six neighborhoods becoming less architecturally distinct. Nevertheless, the property has continued to operate as a hybrid outlet, entertainment, and tourism destination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Simon temporarily closed its U.S. malls, including Arizona Mills, in March 2020. Arizona Mills reopened in May under social-distancing and other public-health requirements. Harkins announced further cinema upgrades in January 2021, including an in-lobby bar, electric loungers, and upgraded projectors. The tenant base continued to change after the pandemic. Conn's HomePlus announced in July 2024 that it would close more than 170 stores during a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, including its Arizona Mills store. Reclectic opened at the property on January 28, 2025. Arizona Mills remains an active Simon Property Group asset and continues to combine outlet shopping with restaurants, cinema, aquarium, and children's entertainment attractions.
- 2025
Reclectic opens
[1]Reclectic opened at Arizona Mills on January 28.
- 2020
Temporary pandemic closure and reopening
[1]Arizona Mills closed in March during Simon's U.S. mall shutdown and reopened in May with public-health measures.
- 2016
Legoland Discovery Center opens
[1]Legoland Discovery Center Arizona opened on April 22, adding an interactive family attraction.
- 2014
Simon becomes sole owner
[1]Taubman sold its remaining 50 percent interest in Arizona Mills to Simon Property Group.
- 2014
Food Hall by Villa opens
[1]A renovated food court opened with multiple dining concepts and a redesigned interior.
- 2012
Simon gains full portfolio management control
[1]Simon acquired Farallon Capital Management's interest in the Mills portfolio and took full control of property management.
- 2010
Sea Life Arizona opens
[1]Sea Life Arizona Aquarium opened at the mall as a permanent marine-life attraction.
- 2007
Simon acquires The Mills portfolio
[1]Simon Property Group acquired The Mills Corporation's portfolio with Farallon Capital Management, placing Arizona Mills within Simon's Mills-related portfolio.
- 2002
Simon sells a half interest to Taubman
[1]Simon Property Group sold 50 percent of its interest in Arizona Mills to Taubman Centers.
- 1997
Arizona Mills opens
[1]The mall opened on November 20 with approximately 200 retailers and around 6,000 parking spaces.
Products and positioning
A large value-oriented outlet mall and family entertainment destination serving residents, visitors, and tourists in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Retail · 1997
Outlet retail collection
Arizona Mills' core offering is a broad collection of outlet and value-oriented stores. The mix has historically included apparel, footwear, accessories, home goods, specialty merchandise, and other consumer categories. Individual tenants change over time, so the center functions less like a single-product brand and more like a managed retail marketplace.
Family attraction · 2010
Sea Life Arizona Aquarium
Sea Life Arizona is a permanent aquarium attraction located within Arizona Mills. It presents marine-life exhibits, interactive touch pools, and a 360-degree ocean tunnel, helping extend the mall's appeal beyond shopping and supporting its role as a family and tourist destination.
Cinema · 1997
Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills with IMAX
The mall's cinema originated with an IMAX 3D prototype that opened shortly after Arizona Mills. It later became a Harkins Theatres location with IMAX branding. Planned improvements announced in 2021 included upgraded projectors, electric loungers, and an in-lobby bar.
Family attraction · 2016
Legoland Discovery Center Arizona
Legoland Discovery Center Arizona is an interactive, family-oriented indoor attraction developed by Merlin Entertainments and Simon Property Group. It was designed to complement Sea Life Arizona and broaden the mall's appeal to families with children through themed play, building, and educational entertainment.
Food and beverage · 2014
Food Hall by Villa
Food Hall by Villa is the renovated dining area developed by Simon Property Group and Villa Restaurant Group. The 2014 project introduced multiple dining options, including Villa Italian Kitchen and Sukotto Japanese Grill, while updating the former food court with new flooring, lighting, planting, and interior design elements.
Brand decisions
2020
Temporary pandemic closure and controlled reopeningStrategyBackground
Simon Property Group temporarily closed its U.S. malls in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Action taken
Arizona Mills closed in March 2020 and reopened in May under social-distancing and related public-health requirements.
Aftermath
The property resumed operations while adapting to pandemic-era operating restrictions.
2015
Development of Legoland Discovery Center announcedProduct launchBackground
Simon and Merlin Entertainments identified an opportunity to build on the family audience attracted by Sea Life Arizona.
Action taken
The partners announced a new Legoland Discovery Center for Arizona Mills, with an anticipated opening in spring 2016.
Aftermath
The attraction opened in April 2016 and strengthened the property's family-entertainment positioning.
Development cost. $12 million (2015-2016 development)
2014
Food court conversion to Food Hall by VillaStrategyBackground
Simon and Villa Restaurant Group sought to refresh the mall's dining offer and create a more contemporary food-service environment.
Action taken
The former food court was renovated and relaunched with ten dining options under the Food Hall by Villa name.
Aftermath
The project expanded Arizona Mills' role as a combined shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.
2007
Acquisition of The Mills Corporation portfolioM&ABackground
Simon Property Group and Farallon Capital Management acquired The Mills Corporation's portfolio, which included Arizona Mills.
Action taken
Arizona Mills was brought into Simon's Mills-related portfolio and subsequently marketed as a Simon property.
Aftermath
Simon later acquired Farallon's interest and ultimately obtained full ownership of Arizona Mills from Taubman in 2014.
Transaction value. $1.64 billion (2007 acquisition)
Recent events
- 2025
Reclectic opens at Arizona Mills[1]
Product launch
Reclectic opened at Arizona Mills, adding a new tenant to the property's changing retail mix.
- 2024
Conn's HomePlus announces closure of its Arizona Mills location[1]
Bankruptcy · Other
Conn's HomePlus announced plans to close its stores during a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, including its location at Arizona Mills.
- 2021
Harkins announces theater renovations[1]
Product generation
Harkins Theatres announced upgrades at its Arizona Mills and Tempe Marketplace cinemas, including an in-lobby bar, electric loungers, and improved projection equipment.
- 2020
Arizona Mills temporarily closes during the COVID-19 pandemic[1]
Regulation · Other
The property closed temporarily as part of Simon Property Group's U.S. mall closures and reopened in May with social-distancing and related public-health measures.
- 2016
Legoland Discovery Center Arizona opens[1]
Product launch
The interactive children's attraction opened at Arizona Mills after a development partnership between Merlin Entertainments and Simon Property Group.
- 2014
Food Hall by Villa replaces the former food court format[1]
Product launch
Simon Property Group and Villa Restaurant Group completed a food-service renovation that introduced multiple dining concepts and refreshed the mall's food court environment.
- 2010
Sea Life Arizona Aquarium opens at Arizona Mills[1]
Product launch
Sea Life Arizona opened as a permanent family attraction at the mall, featuring marine exhibits, interactive touch pools, and a 360-degree ocean tunnel.
- 1997
Arizona Mills opens as a major enclosed outlet mall[1]
Other
Arizona Mills opened in Tempe with approximately 200 retailers and about 6,000 parking spaces, establishing the property as a large-scale outlet and entertainment destination.
Sources2 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/arizona-mills · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled