The shopping centre was designed and built by Ivanhoe Cambridge and The Mills Corporation; the latter owning a portfolio of malls across the United States. JPRA served as the design architect for the center, with Bregman + Hamann Architects as the project architect. Like its American counterparts, Vaughan Mills incorporates a "race track" layout to maximize the exposure of the mall tennants. The complex has over 200 retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment outlets. Fifteen anchor retailers are present, include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, H&M, One's Better Living, and Urban Behaviour. Entertainment located on the site include Lucky Strike Lanes and NASCAR Speedpark.
When Vaughan Mills was originally conceived in 1999, it was meant to be a slightly larger complex at 1.4 million square feet (130,000 m²), with up to 18 anchor retailers and a combined 240 stores and services. The shopping centre intended to be a stepping stone for American retailers wanting to enter the Canadian market. In September 1999, Bed Bath & Beyond and Sun & Ski Sports were among the six American retailers that were announced as Vaughan Mills' first anchor tennants. An ESPNX GamesSkatepark was also planned as the main entertainment venue on the site. The mall originally had a projected opening date of Fall 2001.
However, an economic recession in 2000 forced planners to scale down on the size of Vaughan Mills. Furthermore, many American retailers left the project, leaving existing Canadian companies to fill the void. The project suffered numerous delays and construction finally began in June 2003.
At its opening, Vaughan Mills suffered from a relatively low number of parking spots with just over 6300 spaces. Paramount Canada's Wonderland amusement park was closed for the season and it provided temporary parking for staff and customers. Despite this early setback, the mall has been a rousing success and it welcomed its 2 millionth visitor less than 2 months after its opening.[link]
Outparcels
In 2005, The Mills and Ivanhoe Cambridge sold off the northern Outparcel lands to another developer, who has built up the lands. All (excluding two or three) are currently unoccupied.
Future Development
The Mills and Ivanhoe Cambridge have plans for two more Mills style locations in Canada, but financial problems by The Mills may result in Ivanhoe Cambridge will be the sole developer.
