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University Mall redevelopment project to be complete by November

Just in time for early holiday shopping, University Mall is planning to complete the third phase of its redevelopment project in November.

After new management took over two years ago, a three-phase redevelopment plan to upgrade the 30-year old mall began. The project will be complete with the addition of Goody's Family Clothing, said Debbie Tindall, University Mall general manager.

Goody's is currently located across the mall in University Place Shopping Center and is expected to open Nov. 4, just in time for holiday shopping, Tindall said.

Tindall said Goody's will replace a 25,000 square foot section of the mall that originally fit eight store spaces. It will be located across from Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffee and adjacent to Friedman's Jewelers.

Goody's management could not be reached for comment, but Tindall said she is excited about having Goody's as an addition to the mall.

With the opening of Goody's, Tindall said the mall would have 95 percent of the 700,000 plus square foot mall occupied. She said there are only five suite spaces unoccupied.

During the past two years of the redevelopment phase, Tindall said not only has there been a lot of moving, but a lot of money spent as well.

Tindall said she did not know exact numbers, but said the three-phase plan could be referred to as "a multi-million dollar project."

The first phase of the project began in August 2002 with the demolition of the former Montgomery Ward's building. In its place, Kerasotes Showplace 8 Theatre, Village Crafts by Michaels and Bed, Bath & Beyond were built.

Relocating the food court area was part of the second phase. The former food court, which is located near the mall's main entrance, was relocated to a newly built food hall near Southern Illinois Healthcare. New vendors include Le Bon Bistro, Lotus Express, Suki Hana, It'sa Pizza and Happy Burger.

The final step of filling the former food court area is currently under construction. Tindall said Alongi's Restaurant and Romancing the Stone, a home gift store, would be ready for business in November.

In addition to new stores moving in, some of the old stores have relocated within University Mall and others are "revamping their look," Tindall said.

Bath and Body Works relocated and expanded its store in April and

Clothing store Rue21 moved next to the new Romancing the Stone store during the summer. Tindall said a full remodel of the shoe store, Finish Line, is currently taking place to "continue to look fresh and new."

Tindall said while parking lot construction and dust have been minor disturbances, she said everyone involved in the project is working hard to stick to November completion dates in order to get ready for holiday shoppers.

Referring to University Mall as "the epicenter" of Carbondale's business area, Tindall said she also anticipates the mall's business to increase significantly.

"It's going to be good to finally see the major construction completed," Tindall said. "It's going to provide more offerings to customers in the community."

 

 

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