Arbor Hills Shopping Center boasts an inspirational rise-from-the-ashes tale to rival the best Hollywood tearjerker. And this happy ending involves lots of love: love of shopping, that is. Calling all mall addicts, shopaholics, and those in dire need of retail therapy - the ultimate mall to trump all others is coming to Ann Arbor.

Slated to open this August, Arbor Hills is currently taking shape on 7.45 acres of land, on Washtenaw between Platt Road and Huron Parkway. Strategically located a stone's throw from Country Farm Park and a Whole Foods store, future Arbor Hills shoppers will potentially catch whiffs of fresh cut grass and organic nuts while perusing Dutch ovens at Sur la Table - talk about a unique mall ambiance.

The story of Arbor Hills Shopping Center began when developers first wanted to erect another such mall back in 2006. At that time, Ann Arbor City Council approved a site plan for The Shops at Arlington. But the economy conspired against them, and bad luck killed those dreams at once. Comerica Bank, the lender, longed to withdraw its bet in lieu of foreclosure and the unfinished deal sat on the table.

Along came Tom Stegeman, who formed a team with co-founder Max Reiswerg. The duo purchased the property for a cool $3 million, and promptly proposed the Arbor Hills idea. As it was significantly less extravagant than the original concept, the idea squashed several others submitted by competing development groups. Arbor Hills was born anew.

The grown up Arbor Hills Shopping Center will comprise four buildings spread out over a pristine, choreographed landscape. The mall is unique in that three of its buildings will be accessible by both car and the sidewalk, the latter designed with pedestrian needs in mind. Parking is scattered behind and close to all buildings, reducing walk time to and from vehicles and increasing convenience.

Tenants have already begun renting spaces; 15 leases have reportedly been signed to date. Confirmed tenants include the likes of Brooks' Brothers, The North Face, and Anthropologie - to name a few. Restaurants with outdoor patios have also been proposed. To accommodate the hoped-for rise in activity, a traffic light is to be installed at Platt Road's intersection. There will also be new sidewalks, bicycle spaces, and viewing platforms spanning restored wetlands.