Richard E. Jacobs, founder of development company behind Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco County, dies at 83

WESLEY CHAPEL

Development company's founder dies

The founder of the development company behind the Cypress Creek Town Center has died. Richard E. Jacobs — one of the pioneers of the modern shopping center industry, the chairman, chief executive officer, and owner of the Richard E. Jacobs Group, and former owner of the Cleveland Indians — died Friday at his home in Ohio. He was 83 and had suffered from a lengthy illness. A spokeswoman for the Cypress Creek Town Center, which has been delayed by environmental problems, said Mr. Jacobs' death won't affect plans for the shopping center at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. "One of his final strategic moves was the planning of his company's continuation after his death," a news release said. "The Richard E. Jacobs Group will remain as a very active real estate development firm, executing the plan Mr. Jacobs personally devised to ensure future growth and success. There are currently several retail, office, and mixed-use developments in various stages of planning or construction."

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