Station Mall owners in the Sault quiet about their future plans
The owners of Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie are keeping tight-lipped about their plans for the former Sears store.
Construction crews have been working inside the space, which has been vacant since 2017. And now the parking lot in front of the structure is blocked off and a message posted on the Station Mall Facebook page said "something exciting" was happening on the site.
Beyond that, mall owners Cushman & Wakefield have shared no details about their plans. However, the Station Mall Merchants Association is optimistic about the long-term viability of the mall.
"Yes, they are developing it (and) we are going to see some new stores coming into play," said association president Melissa Whalen.
"It's really a fun and exciting time for Station Mall and I'm very proud to be a merchant in the mall right now."
Savoy's Jewellers has been a tenant of the mall for more than 40 years. Co-owner Nicholas Rosset said he's also optimistic about the future.
"We consider it a partnership, our business with the mall owners, and we're willing to invest and push our business forward, just like they're doing," Rosset said.
"It's reciprocal and we appreciate that. So, when we see big things happening, that keeps us moving forward, as well."
Rosset said the mall has seen its ups and downs over the years, but he's encouraged by the number of customers the mall is seeing and by the recent upgrades and renovations by mall management.
"We've got a new floor recently, new food court and now there's renovations going on in one of the previous big box locations," said Rosset.
"So we're excited to see what they come up with keep things moving forward."
Meantime, Whalen said this is a banner year for Station Mall.
"We're actually turning 50 this year, so we are going to be having some celebrations for our 50th anniversary," she said.
"With that is going to be coming some new development, new stores are going to be joining us, and opening up, hopefully, in the fall."
The Merchants Association is of the impression that the former Sears property will be divided up among several retailers and they say an announcement about the site could be coming within the next couple of weeks.
Mall management turned down a request for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.