Plans to redevelop and fill open storefronts in the Columbia Mall in Grand Forks are moving forward.
Council President Dana Sande says the mall owners are working with a local architect and developer on project plans. Sande says an announcement about one of the vacant anchor stores could come soon. “They’ve been talking about doing a significant amount of upgrades to the mall itself. I believe there is a lease…if not finalized…there will be a lease for the Sears portion of the building.”
Sande says the role of malls has been changing over time – and Columbia Mall is no different. “The footprint of the redevelopment will be a significant amount of common space and less retail.”
Mayor Brandon Bochenski recently traveled to Chicago to meet with the mall owners – GK Development – to try and jumpstart planning. Proposed changes range from a housing component to a smaller retail footprint and possible indoor recreational space.
Recent announcements include Sanford POWER to occupy three empty storefronts and the pending move Albatross Indoor Golf to the mall.
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