Author: cnguyen

Rob Kallas served as general manager at the iconic Orem mall since 1978

As a young boy, Rob Kallas used to run through the orchards that stood where Orem’s University Place is today.

Little did he know that much of his adult years would be spent in the same area, working as general manager at one of Utah’s biggest shopping centers.

“These were my playgrounds here. These were orchards where I used to pick cherries and apples and peaches,” Kallas said.

In 1974, when Kallas started working for Woodbury Corporation, which owns University Place, there were just nine employees. Now the company employs over 1,100.

When Kallas took over as manager of University Mall 48 years ago, it was exclusively a shopping center that wasn’t yet even at tenant capacity. The iconic mall now covers 120 acres and is a major multiuse project with retail, housing, hotels, offices, restaurants and entertainment.

It’s safe to say a lot has changed in the decades that Kallas has worked there.

“It’s like running a little city,” Kallas said about what University Place has turned into today.

And how did Kallas and his colleagues accomplish the task?

“A bite at a time.”

Kallas took over the primary responsibility of managing the mall in 1978. The popular shopping center in south Orem was originally called University Mall, but at the start of 2014 it was renamed University Place.

The Woodbury Corporation is a family-run company, and during his time there Kallas has worked with all four generations of the family that have been involved in the company.

“Rob’s been involved in every step of every project in the landscape of University Place,” said Dan Woodbury, senior vice president of leasing for Woodbury. “You could say like, Rob’s been there every moment to make this project what it is today … a centerpiece of the city of Orem.”

Kallas retired recently, with a new general manager in place as the mall moves forward. His impact will be felt for years to come.

Reflecting on Kallas’ career, Woodbury said the concept of malls has changed drastically since Kallas started running the property. Now it is not just about shopping, but more about building community and providing entertainment.

“Rob is sort of a pioneer in a lot of ways, what the future of these, like, shopping centers can be through what he’s done here at University Place,” he added.

After opening in 1973 with a focus on retail, the area soon was designated as a mixed-use project, which allowed for residential units and the many other things that make up University Place today.

Fortunately, Kallas said, the growth comes in increments.

“It’s like eating a great big cake, you take a bite at a time,” Kallas said. “As something grows, you pay attention to that, you work out the details of it, you make logistical changes and things so that it all works. And then by that time, the next piece is coming together.”

Scott Bishop, Woodbury’s president and CEO, said while others might not have been able to adapt to the massive changes, Kallas did.

“Somehow Rob was able to adapt to that,” Bishop said. “Not only has he been able to kind of just roll with it, but thrive, and like, it’s just grown and grown.”

Through the years, Kallas and his team faced a variety of challenges, whether it was a major retailer deciding to leave the mall, managing the COVID-19 pandemic or a physical disaster within the facility.

In 2007, Kallas recalled being on vacation at Lake Powell when he got a phone call saying that a major water pipe had broken and the mall had flooded. More than 8 inches of water coursed throughout the whole mall, he said.

The mall didn’t close, but Kallas said it took over a year to fix all the damages and work things out with insurance.

“You’re going to face obstacles, but a big challenge is finding a way to solve the obstacle or make it better,” Kallas said.

Kallas didn’t turn to someone else. He got to work.

“He’s not calling anybody else, like, that’s his problem to deal with, and he’s going, ‘There are people fishing in the main corridor,’” joked Bishop.

Jeff Woodbury recalled how Kallas managed the many details, things like determining the color of tiles or carpet, or working with and managing different tenants.

He was also willing to stand up to people within the Woodbury Corporation and say “this is the way we want to do it,” recalled Jeff Woodbury, now vice president of development and acquisitions.

“You can look at other mall managers who just want to sit in their office and delegate and not get their hands dirty, but Rob was willing to physically go into a space to figure out how to build a new sewer line or talk to the head of Nordstrom,” added Dan Woodbury.

Dan Woodbury credits Kallas for “his ability to engage with local entrepreneurs to help them realize their dreams.”

A number of businesses got their start at the mall, Dan Woodbury said, including multiple companies that have since grown across the West or across the country. Two examples are the women’s clothing store Böhme and the restaurant chain Aubergine Kitchen.

“I think Rob has always had the ability to engage with these people, like hear their vision and then figure out how to get them in real estate with the resources they need to succeed, and then work through problems as well,” Dan Woodbury said.

Jeff Woodbury added that Kallas is also highly respected by city officials he has worked with over the years.

Others mentioned how Kallas became a mentor to many.

Kallas’ family has also been a major part of his life and his career.

Janeal Kallas, Rob’s wife, said, “Rob’s the most dedicated person I know, the hardest worker and sometimes your best traits are your worst traits.”

Together the couple has five kids and 16 grandchildren, who have all spent plenty of time at University Place over the years. Up until his retirement, Kallas brought his grandchildren into the office and into the mall.

“He’ll bring the grandkids around and introduce them to all of us, and it’s just so fun to see the other side of Rob like when he’s out of the office,” said marketing director Cindy Nguyen.

“I love Orem! I was born and raised in Orem, educated in Orem schools, married an Orem woman, and lived and raised my five children in Orem,” Kallas said. “I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the development and vibrancy of this city.”

One of the biggest reasons Kallas has stayed at the mall and with Woodbury for so long is the people. He added that being in Orem was also a contributing factor.

“I love this community, and I wanted to make a difference and kind of leave a mark and make it a better place,” said Kallas.

Over the years, Kallas and his team have tried to make sure they were bringing in the businesses that mallgoers wanted, including The Cheesecake Factory and Trader Joe’s.

“We went out, we kind of tried to identify the big hitters,” Kallas said. “We wanted to bring in all those things that the people want and that’s really the name of the game. Over the years, things change, and what’s popular today may not be popular in the five years.”

Janeal said while managing the mall has been her husband’s “life and his hobby,” he now will be focusing on other hobbies.

Kallas loves snow skiing, so he has been excited to hit the slopes more often in retirement.

“He loves his horses. He just bought a new horse, and so he’s planning on spending a lot of time in retirement hopefully skiing and riding horses,” Janeal added.

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Kallas’ role will be filled by Mike Jorgenson, who has worked in mall management for years. He said he was interested in the role because University Place is “dynamic.”

“This is one that’s evolved, and it’s been at the forefront of Utah, I would say it’s brought the best practices in the industry,” Jorgenson said.

Jeff Woodbury said that as they looked for someone to take Kallas’ place, they wanted someone who could adapt and bring new ideas to the table.

“University Place will always be dynamic, and will always be changing, constantly changing,” he added.

Read full article here.

Rob Kallas will be retiring from University Place after 52 years of employment.

By University Place//Jan 16, 2026

University Place is honored to announce the retirement of an esteemed employee of over five decades, Rob Kallas, and concurrently, welcomes an exciting new hire to fill the role of general manager, Mike Jorgenson.

Kallas has been involved in real estate management and development with the Woodbury Corporation since 1974 and has had the primary responsibility of managing University Mall, now University Place, since 1978.

“I have been so fortunate to have worked the last 52 years with a wonderful company and at such a great legacy project as University Mall and other Woodbury Corporation owned projects in Orem,” said Rob Kallas, retiring general manager of University Place. “I love Orem! I was born and raised in Orem, educated in Orem schools, married an Orem woman, and lived and raised my five children in Orem. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the development and vibrancy of this city. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with great businesswomen and businessmen, community leaders, government and education leaders, dedicated employees, associates and residents here as well.”

The new general manager is Michael Jorgenson, a Utah native who most recently oversaw operations for nine regional shopping centers throughout the western United States, totaling approximately 8.5 million square feet.

“I am excited to work with Woodbury Corporation and the community on continuing to create unique and engaging experiences at University Place.” said Michael Jorgenson, general manager of University Place. “I have closely followed University Place over the past decade as it evolved from a traditional shopping center into a dynamic, mixed-use destination, setting a standard in the Utah market by thoughtfully integrating office, multifamily and entertainment uses.”

Jorgenson most recently worked as Vice President of Asset Management for the Western Region at Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP). Prior to working for PRCP, Jorgenson worked for Macerich for over a decade as the senior property manager at shopping centers in Utah, Arizona and New Jersey. While working for PRCP and Macerich, Mike was General Manager of The Shops at South Town in Sandy, where he successfully navigated a change in ownership and led a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation that transformed the center inside and out.

“Woodbury Corporation and the Woodbury family will be forever grateful to Rob Kallas for his friendship, loyalty and dedication to the success of University Place and its impact on Orem and surrounding communities,” said Randy Woodbury, vice chairman of Woodbury Corporation. “We are excited for the next chapter, utilizing Mike Jorgenson’s extensive experience to build upon the legacy of this outstanding development.”

Read full article here.

Jan 17, 2026

In the 1970s, Woodbury Corp. launched a two-anchor mall in Orem, anchored by ZCMI on the west end and JCPenney on the east.

Over the last half-century, the property has grown into the sprawling campus now called University Place, which is arguably the retail hub of Utah County, fitted with stores, restaurants, apartments and entertainment amenities.

One man behind the mall’s evolution is Orem native Rob Kallas, who has been with Woodbury Corp. since 1974 and became the mall’s general manager in 1978.

After nearly a half-century of managing the property, Kallas is calling it a career. He will retire and be replaced by Michael Jorgensen after helping build what Woodbury Vice President Randy Woodbury called the largest tax-generating entity in Utah County.

“It does make me really proud,” Kallas said. “I was born and raised in Orem, and I grew up, went to Orem High School, I went to BYU, and I married a girl from Orem, and I raised my kids in Orem. It’s really, really satisfying to know that you’ve had some influence in your community that you love so much.”

A kid from Orem

Woodbury said it is rare to have continuity in the business world these days, but that Kallas bucked the trend, working for Woodbury Corp. through four generations of leadership.

“Who else these days works for over 50 years anywhere, much less for one company?” he said. “That kind of loyalty and continuity has just been invaluable. Rob is like an extended family member, and we have had a level of trust virtually through our whole careers together that’s just been wonderful.”

The relationship started when Kallas returned from military service and wanted to find employment that would keep him in the area.

“I looked up the biggest development in that community and pestered them until they hired me,” Kallas said.

Kallas was brought on by Woodbury Corp. to work in real estate management in 1974 and took on the general manager position in 1978. He has played an integral role in planning and expansion decisions since.

Kallas believes he managed to do so with local interests in mind. He said there were times when neighbors would call to complain about a new carpet style in the mall, and that he would listen and, in some cases, make a change.

When Woodbury Corp. bought 30 to 40 homes north of the mall — land that later became a Costco, which opened in 1999, and then apartments — it was Kallas who facilitated the deal, because he knew many of the residents from growing up in the area.

“Rob has always maintained a real estate license throughout his whole career with us,” Woodbury said. “He had those relationships, and he was the one who basically negotiated all of those acquisitions as the property has grown in size.”

“I had so many close friends that I knew around the mall, and I think it really helped,” Kallas said. “I think I knew personally about five or six of the mayors that went through while I was at the mall and became good friends with any that I didn’t know.”

Persistent leadership

Kallas said the goal for the mall was always to see it grow and develop, even in the face of economic turmoil.

During the recession in the late 2000s, he said they focused on managing efficiently while keeping costs relatively low so tenants could survive. Through that approach, he said, the mall endured and was later able to attract new retailers who saw its success.

“There were a lot of times when national tenants were not expanding, but they did take a second look at what we were doing and were impressed enough to give us a chance. And that success begat success,” Kallas said.

Even after the recession, enclosed malls continued to struggle as many department stores declined. This marked a major inflection point for University Mall, Kallas said, prompting leaders to step back and determine the best path forward.

They chose to invest in a $500 million revitalization project to turn the mall into a mixed-use facility equipped with new retail, office, hotel and residential space. University Mall was rebranded as University Place in 2015.

“We just decided that this was way too important for us as a family and for the community,” Woodbury said. “So we more than doubled down.”

As new phases of the project unfolded, Kallas became the face of the transformation. His role evolved from mall manager to real estate manager overseeing infrastructure and retail for the 112-acre facility. Woodbury said Kallas continued to excel in his ability to “bend over backward” to maintain relationships with tenants, despite years of disruptive construction.

New entities that have arrived at University Place in the last decade include RC Willey, Trader Joe’s, Sephora, Courtyard by Marriott, The Cheesecake Factory and LEGO.

“In many respects, it’s like its own little city, and Rob’s been the mayor of that for a long time,” Woodbury said.

Looking back on his career, Kallas said the most important lesson he learned, and would pass on to others, is persistence.

“Hang in there. Don’t give up,” he said. “Things have ups and downs and hardships, and you stick with it. You try to face it and overcome it. I’ve always been the kind of person that says, ‘Why do I think it’s going to be any better somewhere else? Why not just make it good here?’ And just solve your problems.”

Read full article here.

Jan. 9, 2026

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – A slice of Chicago has made it’s way to Orem, Utah. Rosati’s is an award-winning Chicago-based pizza chain that is now here in our state for the very first time. Co-owners Heidi and Erik joined us this morning to share why Rosati’s is the best new place for delicious pizza.

Heidi tells us that she and her husband Mike, who grew up in Chicago, have been fans of Rosati’s for a very long time. In fact, Mike took Heidi there after proposing to her (She said yes!) They missed the pizza so much that they asked their good friends Erik and his wife Katie if they wanted to bring Rosati’s to Utah. The two couples then joined forces to make a local restaurant a reality and they ended up having the most successful week on record last October. Chicago pizza lovers are streaming in the doors for the deep dish, and coming back for the award winning thin crust. Rosati’s is currently the number one rated pizza in Chicago, as rated by the city’s biggest radio station and both Heidi and Erik say it’s because they focus on quality ingredients sourced from the best: vine-ripened tomatoes, cheese sourced from Wisconsin, and dough made fresh. When you get the pizza, you’ll notice no shortage of cheese or sauce!

In addition to pizza, they serve pasta, sandwiches, wings, salads, dough nuggets, and even cheese curds and at lunch time, they serve $5 jumbo slices! Visit Rosati’s at University Place Mall in Orem, call 801-224-4414 to order, and click here for more mouth watering information: https://myrosatis.com/orem/

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November 1, 2025 Orem, Utah, United States–The Cloud Portal at Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah, an immersive, sci-fi-themed attraction that uses over 100,000 LED lights and clouds made of candy floss, sets the world record for the World’s Largest Indoor Cloud Ceiling, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY. “The world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling is the Cloud Portal at Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah, an immersive, sci-fi-themed attraction that uses over 100,000 LED lights and clouds made of candy floss. (AI Overview)

“The park features multiple chambers and combines art, music, and interactive elements to create otherworldly landscapes,” Location: Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah.

Features: Over 100,000 LED lights and clouds made from candy floss.

Theme: A sci-fi-themed immersive attraction.

Attractions: Combines art, music, animatronics, and interactive elements in four main chambers that depict alien worlds and other fantastical environments. “Dreamwalk Park was created by two dreamers: the artist, Ben McPherson, and the entrepreneur, John Pope, whose shared vision for an interactive, themed art experience culminated in the development of this transformational venue.

“The two creators pivoted to working on their vision for an indoor, immersive theme park, featuring world-class, hand-sculpted environments, with fascinating practical effects and plenty of interactive elements,” the Dreamwalk Park says.

“Artist Brad Skaar soon joined the group, and a team of talented artists and technicians was then built. Having been won over by the Woodburys in selecting the Orem University Place Mall in Orem, Utah, the team went to work, sparing no effort.” “Dreamwalk Park is an immersive art experience located at University Place Mall in Orem. Combining sculpted sci-fi art, music, and animatronics, it offers a journey through stunning, interactive landscapes,” the Explore Utah Valley says.

“Think of it as a mini Disneyland in the heart of Utah Valley — where imagination, creativity, and adventure come to life.” “An interactive theme park in the US has introduced the “world’s largest indoor cloud ceiling”. The Cloud Portal at Dreamwalk Park in Orem, Utah features more than 100,000 LED lights, according to FOX 13,” the AV Magazine reports.

“The experience, which opened last week, also features clouds made from candy floss. The sci-fi-themed immersive attraction, which opened last December, took around three years and more than 150,000 hours of labour to create.

“It is home to four main chambers that combine art, music, animatronics and interactive elements to depict alien worlds, crystal caves, glowing flora and mythological spirits.” “Nestled between the shops at University Place in Orem lies Utah’s newest interactive indoor theme park. Dreamwalk Park was created by artist Ben McPherson and entrepreneur John Pope as a way to engulf people in a world that is adjacent to their own.

“The park offers a fully immersive experience in which visitors are enveloped by seemingly “otherworldly” environments. After three years and over 150,000 hours of labor, it is now open and drawing visitors from across the state.

“Dreamwalk Park features four uniquely extra-terrestrial chambers, each home to a creatively engineered landscape. The entrance to the attraction, aptly titled “Quantum Veil,” masquerades as a cocoon of clouds dotted with space rocks and molten lava. The room also features an animatronic spinning tornado,” the Daily Utah Chronicle reports.

“It’s pitched as an “extraordinary digital experience” that “transports visitors to new worlds, both on and off the screen, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in cinematic environments” through “music and light shows, interactive elements, hidden scenes, articulating creatures, games, and collectibles,” the heraldextra.com says.

“It brings together his extensive experience as a filmmaker — he’s produced and directed content for National Geographic and IFC Films — and his art background, where he has specialized in classical realism.

“Weaving through a two-story section of the mall, the park takes visitors on a journey of nearly a half a mile through cave-like rooms showing intricate sets and creations, all visually appealing and some interactive.”

“Introducing Dreamwalk Park, a truly spectacular display of sculpted sci-fi art, music, and animatronics for all ages. Step through the Dreamwalk Portal and discover worlds you’ve only dreamed of,” the Explore Utah Valley says.

“The nearly half-mile of pathways will take you through many stunning, fully-immersive landscapes to enjoy and interact with. Includes sound and light shows, hidden scenes, lifelike creatures, unique games, and collectibles.

“Whether it’s the Fungi Forest with its towering mushrooms or the Galactic Grotto with its electric waterfall, we promise this truly unique experience will leave a lasting impression!”

Read full article here.