Exciting Changes Ahead for Columbus Place!
Big things are happening at what was once known as Leigh Mall, now rebranded as Columbus Place. If you’ve been keeping up with the local scene, you might have noticed that the shopping landscape has been shifting quite a bit, and it seems like there’s a lot of action behind the scenes. With new ownership and some creative ideas, Hull Property Group is working hard to breathe new life into this shopping hotspot.
Goodbye, Cato and Bealls
Cato and Bealls are on their way out. These closures are part of an ongoing trend at Columbus Place, which has seen its tenant list shrink to just 12 stores, leaving plenty of empty retail spaces just waiting to be filled. That means Columbus Place is currently operating with less than a third of its retail spots occupied. Hull Property Group is not discouraged. In fact, they’re doubling down on their investment!
Plans for the Future
Hull’s vice president for government relations shared excitement about what’s to come. They’re right on track with their redevelopment plan. After purchasing the property for $3.5 million, they’ve already invested $24 million into transforming the retail side into a vibrant strip mall. Anyone who has driven along Highway 45 has likely witnessed the changes taking shape.
A Silver Lining in the Closures
While losing tenants isn’t great news, there’s an opportunity. With Cato and Bealls vacating their spots, that opens up a whopping 123,000 square feet of renovation potential! This space could be repurposed for all sorts of uses—think commercial, medical, or even entertainment venues. “We see a tremendous opportunity here,” it was noted. “It’ll be a mixed-use center that fits the modern demands of retail spaces.”
What’s Coming Next?
Construction to spruce up the rear of the building is on the docket, along with plans to make the south side just as appealing as the retail side. Hull Property Group is all about creating a space that not only looks great but also feels welcoming. “We want to give it some definition and a fresh, institutional presence,” was expressed.
New Entrances and Outparcels
Hull Group is also working on new outparcels—think spaces for stores along the front of the mall—so there’s potential for new businesses popping up. They’ve already demolished the old Sears Auto Center and a long-abandoned gas station to make room for six new opportunities. Additionally, they’re poised to acquire even more outparcels, bringing a refreshing retail vibe to that side of town!
Handling the Pace of Change
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Hull Group acknowledges that revitalizing Columbus Place is a “painstaking process” that can take over a decade. Stability comes first, and part of their mission is to attract the right mix of tenants. “All we can do is create the right offering,” it was stated. There’s a plan to bring in national retailers, smaller general stores, and even quick-serve restaurants that suit the community’s needs.
Community Interaction and Transparency
As exciting as these plans are, the local community is starting to show some impatience. With every announcement of a store closing, it seems more folks are taking to social media to voice their concerns. The local mayor understands this frustration but remains optimistic about Hull Group’s process. “I know people want to see new retail come in faster,” it was said, “but the company has a proven track record.”
Looking Ahead
With plans for an open dialogue set for early next year, Hull Group aims to reassure the community about the future. They’re committed to making Columbus Place an appealing shopping destination once again. Columbus is poised for a bright retail future! The hope is that the changes to come bring the right tenants and a whole lot of excitement!
