The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Load of opportunity for merchants
Great Lakes Mall continues to pursue redevelopment
It’s been several months since Mentor city leaders labeled Great Lakes Mall a Community Entertainment District, in hopes of raising more interest in some vacant retail spaces.
While some vacancies remain for now, new projects and repurposing efforts continue to remain a high priority for property owner Washington Prime and city officials.
“We are working closely with Seritage (Growth Properties), the owner of the Sears space, and all our other stakeholders on exciting redevelopment opportunities,” said Marketing Director Kate Miller. “We will share details when we are able.”
The projects that have moved forward include the opening of Round1 entertainment center in April in a former Dillard’s space, the addition of a 12,800-squarefoot Shoe Dept. Encore — opened Aug. 24 — and construction of Outback Steakhouse’s new location in the mall’s west parking lot. In addition, the old Office Max building is prepped for demolition to make way for Hobby Lobby. The store is scheduled to open in 2019.
“Round1 continues to draw strong traffic to Great Lakes Mall,” Miller said, responding to questions about the remaining space available for a restaurant on the main floor and 60,000 square feet on the second. “While any potential new tenants located adjacent to Round1 would benefit from their proximity to the differentiated entertainment concept, we’ve already successfully transformed this area at Great Lakes Mall.”
Outback is anticipated to open as early as November, said Elizabeth Watts, Bloomin’ Brands Inc. media & community relations director. The restaurant is moving from Market Street.
“The new location is an excellent retail location,” she said.
The existing Outback is to close several days in advance of the new one opening. The staff will transfer to the new site, and more employees are expected to be hired, Watts said.
The mall recently welcomed another new retailer, Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio, which opened Aug. 26. It relocated from Colonial Plaza to a 3,500-squarefoot space next to Charming Charlie. The business offers opportunities to “create memories through art” by providing various workshops, birthday parties, kids camps and fundraisers.
The move will benefit customers in a number of ways, said owner Beth Brinton. They include a larger studio, increased hours and party space, ample parking and the ability to carry a larger selection of inventory.
“The timing for the transition to the mall was perfect as the mall management team is developing relationships with businesses such as ours that bring a unique, nontraditional retail experience,” Brinton said. “We’re thrilled to be part of the Great Lakes Mall family.”
Now trending
Improving guest experience is the main challenge facing the mall, as well as other town centers and retailers, Miller said.
However, she sees some positive trends this year related to consumer confidence and engagement with retail brands across categories.
“Retailers were prepared for a strong back-to-school season and we’re excited to see what our retailers deliver for the upcoming holiday season,” she said. “It will be here before we know it!”
Kevin Malecek, Mentor’s new economic development director, likes the way the mall is tracking, and he relishes the chance to work with Washington Prime and Seritage on redeveloping Sears.
“There could be many options, including housing, dining and new retail possibilities,” he said. “The city and mall representatives have always enjoyed a productive, cordial and mutually beneficial relationship, and that looks only to continue into the future.”
The Community Entertainment District designation allows a pooling of liquor licenses to facilitate a large-scale development. This pool is in addition to the city’s normal allocation, and reduces the cost and the time to secure a permit.
The permits are held in connection with a food service establishment, such as restaurants, night clubs, bistros, pubs, etc., within the CED.
The program’s guidelines include a minimum area of 20 acres and a $50 million investment within five to 10 years.
Malecek, former Lake County commissioner and Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, sees the center’s success as a top priority. His first official day with the city is Sept. 4.
“The Great Lakes Mall is perhaps the largest contributor to the sales tax, which funds all vital county operations, so the continued health of the Great Lakes Mall is essential to not only the county’s coffers, but the economic viability of the region as a whole,” he said.