Mall gets a fresh new look
Attention shoppers, the new food court and remodeled shopping area at the Medicine Hat Mall will be open this morning.
Bright, white and modern, is how Richard Okrainec describes the 100,000 square feet that formerly was home to Target, but will now comprise smaller mid-sized bays and 12 food outlets, as well as 200 more seats than the previous food court.
“It’s really brings this to 2017 it’s the sort of vision we have for the entire mall,” said Okrainec during a walk through on Monday as workers hurried to put final touches on the space.
“It definitely brightens things up.”
Food kiosks in the former food court began closing last week, and four are set to be operating after construction fences come down on the new space at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning. More will be opening throughout the month ahead of a planned grand opening ceremony on Sept. 1.
In terms of new retailers, Mountain Warehouse, an outdoor outfitting company, and children’s retailer Osk Kosh should be open and accepting business on Tuesday.
Large bays occupied by Marshalls and Home Sense have tentative opening dates in the middle of August.
The facility will also see staff members sort trays to boost recycling, including food waste to compost efforts.
Ladies washrooms will include a private area designated for breastfeeding. A separate family changing room has also been included.
As Phase one of the remodeling is opened, phase two is set to begin today also.
The former food court will be cordoned off as construction crews begin demolition of the space to remodel it into retail bays.
Eventually a new entrance there will mimic the vestibule at new south side. Work is expected to be complete in the summer of 2018.
The entire project is expected to cost $20 million and will include work in the parking lots over the course of the next few years.