On a grassy area right in front of Northlake Mall there will soon be at least 200,000 square feet of retail space connected to the mall’s main entrance.
“I think it’s a good idea. I’ll be there,” said Aliyah Gregory, who lives nearby.
Chicago-based Starwood Retail Partners, which owns Northlake Mall, is moving forward with the $50 million addition, despite a big sign trying to attract new stores and restaurants inside and outside the mall.
“I see a lot of vacant stores, and I see a lot of stores leaving,” said Heather. She didn’t want to give her last name but said she shops at Northlake Mall often.
Eyewitness News anchor Liz Foster walked the entire mall and counted 18 storefronts either vacant or that looked like they are under construction.
Heather said the mall is less busy than it used to be and doesn’t think the addition is a good idea. “I think they need to focus more on bringing people back to the mall,” she said.
But the mall’s parent company has already purchased the land, and construction is expected to begin early next year.
“Expansion is fine as long as it’s not tax dollars, and if they want to make a capital improvement, I’m all about that,” shopper Jim Day said.
Channel 9 asked the mall spokeswoman several questions, including what stores will coming to the expansion, when it will be completed and whether it could be a wasted investment considering there are several vacant stores in the mall.
At the time this story aired, those questions were not answered.
Cox Media Group
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