Simon Property Group Expands Successful Domain Project

AUSTIN, Texas, March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nineteen new retailers have already opened and Dillard's debuts a 206,000 square foot store today as Simon Property Group's (NYSE: SPG) extremely successful Domain project continues to expand. The newest phase of The Domain is anchored by Dick's Sporting Goods, Dillard's, and Gold Class Cinema and features the first Westin in Austin.

The 34-acre site offers 136,000 square feet of small shops and restaurants, 438 apartments and is the new home for Hanger Orthopedic Group's corporate headquarters in 78,000 square feet of office space.

Such fashion notables as American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale, Buckle, Express and The Limited, as well as Sushi Zushi and Maggiano's have joined the powerhouse retail and restaurant lineup at The Domain.

Dillard's chief executive officer, William Dillard II stated, "We are tremendously pleased to join The Domain with a premier new Dillard's location which reflects the excitement of this outstanding new shopping and dining destination. We look forward to serving Austin area residents and visitors with exceptional fashion choices and premium service at The Domain."

"We're pleased to add to our already impressive retail mix at The Domain and that Dillard's is anchoring our exciting new phase," said Rick Sokolov, president and chief operating officer at Simon. "These additions will provide a wide range of price points and shopping opportunities."

The Westin Austin at The Domain opened its doors today featuring 340 guest rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, urban – an american grill - a full-service restaurant, and more than 17,000 square feet of meeting space. The Villages at the Domain continues to contribute to The Domain's unique 'city within a city' concept with the opening of an apartment complex in October of 2009 of 438-units ranging in size from 526 to 1,870 square feet.

Since its debut in March 2007, The Domain has attracted a devoted regional following of patrons desiring the finest in retail and dining. "It's one of the best retailer mixes in the city not to mention the other lifestyle elements offered," said Lauren Harris, area director of marketing. "The popularity of The Domain among both shoppers and the retail community has been very gratifying."

To celebrate the opening of this new phase, The Domain has planned activity-packed weekends in March and April including Simon Fashion Now™ on March 26 and 27 featuring a series of free runway shows and style-related events that emphasize the fun side of fashion. April weekend events include a variety of family friendly entertainment, gaming competitions, prize giveaways, food sampling and live music.

The Domain is located in northwest Austin along North MoPac (Loop 1) between Braker Lane and Burnet Road. The Domain features luxury fashion and restaurant space with high-end retailers that include Barneys CO-OP, CALYPSO, California Pizza Kitchen, Tiffany & Co., the city's first Neiman Marcus and restaurants like Daily Grill, Jasper's, Joe DiMaggio's Italian Chophouse and McCormick & Schmick's.  Situated in a beautiful park-like setting, The Domain is home to over 40 retailers unique to the Austin market.  The 57-acre first phase of this mixed-use project includes an upscale Main Street center anchored by Macy's and Neiman Marcus, nine upscale restaurants, 75,000 square feet of Class A office space and 390 high-end apartments.

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers(R), The Mills(R), community/lifestyle centers and international properties. It currently owns or has an interest in 382 properties comprising 261 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Company's website at www.simon.com.

SOURCE Simon Property Group, Inc.