[4][5] In January 2001, the at the time 612,000 square foot Plaza del Sol would feature 109 stores such as Payless ShoeSource, Journeys, 5-7-9, Charlotte Russe, Kress, Rave, Motherhood Maternity, The Gap, Zales Jewelers, Sally Beauty, Afterthoughts, GNC, KB Toys, Electronics Boutique, and others.

"We will have a soft opening April 23 from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., said Craig Doyle, then operations manager of Johnny Rockets of Puerto Rico.

The restaurant, which would be available for private activities, would occupy 2,056 square feet in a corner on the mall's second floor and would have about 70 employees, including management.

[8] In November 2004, it was reported that Developers Diversified Realty (DDR) had announced it had entered into an agreement to purchase 15 Puerto Rican retail real estate assets, totaling nearly 5.0 million square feet from Caribbean Property Group, LLC ("CPG").

The transaction had a total value of approximately $1.15 billion, which represented a 7.4% cap rate on a pro-forma basis without the benefit of straight-line rents.

[9][10] In January 2005, it was reported that after years of eyeing the local market, electronics mega retailer Best Buy had finally decided to open shop on the island.

Best Buy's store in Plaza del Sol would be located right above the mall's 30,000 square foot Bed Bath & Beyond (BBB) box and would have more than 65 employees.

This is in line with the plans the shopping mall's new owner at the time, Ohio-based Developers Diversified Realty (DDR), had reported.

The construction of Best Buy in Plaza del Sol was part of the retailer's 2005 plans to invest $700 million in property and equipment, and to open some 73 stores nationwide and in Canada.

In this portfolio of 9 shopping centers, Plaza del Sol was included, making Curzon Puerto Rico the new owners of the mall.

The mall added 35,500 sq ft (3,300 m2), moving the food court upstairs and reusing the space below for new tenants.