John Trezevant Announces Galleria II, More About Oxford's Future

The Vassallo Interviews — Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor who interviews Oxford’s and our region’s leading personalities.
Steve said: “Very few individuals are as focused, determined and experienced in what they are wanting to accomplish as is John Trezevant. I have known John for several years as he is a role model for everyone in Economic Development. John has big plans for Oxford and if he is as successful as I believe he will be, exciting times await.”
HottyToddy.com – John, tell us about your family history. Memphis and the Trezevant name are inseparable.

John Trezevant – My father, Stanley Jr., was in the home building business focusing on modest priced houses. He had a vision for a regional mall, on Perkins Rd. and I-240, which ultimately led to The Mall of Memphis. This was his idea, hatched on a napkin at the kitchen table, that opened in the early 70s.
HottyToddy.com – Was it not your father who steered your development career?
John Trezevant – That’s correct. I went to work for the Earnest W. Hahn Company (this was my father’s partner in the mall). I moved out west to Salt Lake City and later to Thousand Oaks, where I helped manage and lease super regional shopping centers. My final assignment in the west was in San Jose and San Francisco plus Santa Cruz on Monterrey Bay. These experiences were invaluable to my career where I was exposed to all of the national retailers of that generation, many originating from the west coast.
HottyToddy.com – Eventually you would return to the mid-south.
John Trezevant – I returned to Memphis in 1978. I did not become active here in Oxford in commercial development until 2002, when my son enrolled at Ole Miss.
HottyToddy.com – You have already made a huge imprint on this city.
John Trezevant – We developed the center anchored by Walmart, which included 100,000 square feet of shops (Oxford Marketplace). We brought in Chili’s and Zaxby’s as out-parcels. Oxford Galleria I followed and included several exciting retail businesses like  Newk’s and Belk Department Store, which we also developed. The Loft and Rack Room Shoes were also part of this huge success story that also included Chick-Fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings and PetSmart. The Ann Taylor Loft store is currently exceeding all expectations!
HottyToddy.com – We understand even grander activity is soon on the horizon.

John Trezevant – We are designing an additional 225,000 square feet of retail development (partnering with the Davis Family Trust) which is scheduled for a fall 2015 opening, Oxford Galleria II. I am not at liberty to name the retail establishments, however, I can say that there are four national department stores that are new to the city, specialty shoppes and boutiques including national girls’ and women’s shoppes. And there is planned space for two to three upscale restaurants included in the mix. This development is going where the Ewing Trailer Park is currently.
HottyToddy.com – From an outside perspective, not that you are an outsider, how do you see the future of Oxford?
John Trezevant – This is a vibrant economy with a family atmosphere. In order for the city to continue to thrive there must be sufficient employment for college educated individuals as well as others. The recreation, retail and commercial endeavors prosper when families have good jobs and disposable incomes.
Oxford is an ideal setting to attract corporate headquarters and the high paying jobs associated with these type of facilities. The University provides most of the entertainment, athletically speaking as well as culturally, that we are interested in experiencing.
HottyToddy.com – The west side of town has developed significantly primarily because of your initiatives. Do you see the east side following a similar path?
John Trezevant – The big boxes have a tendency to locate closer to their competition. This trend will continue. There has been a good deal of activity also on the east side of Oxford with more of an emphasis on residential development. One of the primary businesses missing on the west side is an upscale grocery store which already exists on the east side.

HottyToddy.com – You have done first class developments all over. Any comparisons to Oxford in other areas you have experienced?
John Trezevant – Oxford and Franklin, Tenn. could be sister cities except for the university presence. With all of the national accolades that Oxford continues to receive (most recently The Huffington Post and Kiplinger’s) this is only going to generate more growth and demand.
HottyToddy.com – I understand that your son, Taylor, leasing director and Ole Miss alum, will be co-leasing Oxford Galleria II with Tom Marsh, Sr. VP of Marketing.
Taylor Trezevant – That’s correct. Interested parties can go to our website at www.trezevantrealty.com and obtain the essential information or contact me directly at 901-755-6040 or cell 901-409-6884.
HottyToddy.com – Shifting gears, Taylor, I understand you’re quite a huge Ole Miss fan.
Taylor Trezevant – I graduated in 2006 with a major in Business/Real Estate. I follow the program closely and am looking forward to a banner season in football.
HottyToddy.com – What do you gentlemen see as Oxford’s greatest strength?
Taylor Trezevant – Oxford is now providing graduates and their families many more reasons to return here than 10-15 years ago. This is a friendly, family environment with visits continuously from the SEC teams and fan bases.
John Trezevant – Without a doubt, the quality of life here today is exceptional and the close proximity to Tupelo, Memphis and Jackson only enhances it.
HottyToddy.com – I cannot end this discussion without finding out when you will be in a position to begin announcing our newest commercial establishments.
John Trezevant – This September we can begin announcing some of the stores.
HottyToddy.com – And through what forum?
John Trezevant – Through Ed Meek and HottyToddy.com, of course!
John and Taylor Trezevant are two individuals that you can ‘go to the bank’ with the forecasts they predict. Trezevant Realty Corporation is a key player in our region and beyond. And their interest in Oxford and Ole Miss is not just from the business perspective, it’s who they are. And are we ever thankful! September is going to be even more exciting than football successes this year with new businesses being announced in this rapidly growing and expanding regional hub!
[dhr]
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford. Steve’s lifelong dream has been to live in Oxford full-time. “I am now living my dream daily as is my wife Rosie, who works with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce,” Steve said. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.