Old, worn down, out of date and in need of some work are all phrases that were once used to describe Valley Fair Mall. Well, what would you expect a 38 year-old mall to look like? With renovations under way, redevelopers are hoping for the mall’s negative image to be erased and that the new additions will help put the mall back on the map. With three trendy anchor stores, a movie theatre, upscale restaurants and more, the “new” mall is expected to accumulate more business. Now more than ever, people are discovering all that the mall has to offer.
Plans for new stores and restaurants have already been added to give the mall some flair back. The ground breaking ceremony for the largest redevelopment phase occurred on Jan. 19, with expected completion in the Fall of 2010. During this phase, it is expected that a Ross Dress for Less, Famous Footwear, Petco, In-N-Out burger, NYPD Pizza and Farr’s Fresh Ice Cream and Yogurt Café will be added. These businesses will join the list of popular retail stores and restaurants who have already leased space at the mall. Some of the recently added restaurants include: The Olive Garden, Wingers, Smash Burger and TGI Friday’s.
When all redevelopment phases are completed, the mall will be a 1 million square foot entertainment and shopping center. With the construction of these popular retail stores and restaurants, the attraction of the mall is expected to magnify.
Sandy based Satterfield-Helm Management Inc. who owns the mall is the directing force for the renovation taking place. They expect the mall to remain open during all phases of construction. Valley Fair Mall shoppers are already reaping the benefits of the new benefits located at there.
The malls transformation will nearly double the size of the mall and is expected to cost $40-$60 million dollars to complete. This renovation was thought necessary due to the mall’s underperformance. The first phase of redevelopment came with the completion of Costco in 2007. With Costco being a big retailer, it is expected to bring in other major retailers who see the success Costco is having.
With only a few months to go, efforts to complete the mall by fall of this year have been continuous. Even throughout the winter months, work at the mall has not ceased. With ongoing efforts from construction workers, Satterfield-Helm employees, Valley Fair Mall employees and the community, the completion of this mall is sure to end triumphantly. No longer will people refer to Valley Fair Mall as the “ghetto mall” of the valley.