Management at Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie have introduced a $60 million plan to rework the previous Sears location early subsequent 12 months.

“The idea is that we want to bring Station Mall into the modern times,” mentioned Robert Carter of StratonHunter Group, a hospitality advisory firm employed by the mall to assist rework the property.

“The mall dynamics have changed dramatically and we know that food and food areas are a huge draw to bring people into the mall as well as enhancing the retail environment.”

To that finish, Carter mentioned the property shall be was an ‘eatertainment complex,’ that includes a full-service sports activities bar and restaurant, in addition to different facilities comparable to video video games and youngsters’s actions.

“It will be an environment that has multiple attractions to families, to young adults, to folks going out for a dinner date night, combined with entertainment and a culinary experience,” he mentioned, evaluating the idea to The Rec Room run by Cineplex.

Carter mentioned there are ongoing conversations in regards to the Sears property, in addition to the previous Walmart location on the opposite aspect of the mall.

“There’s the Sears box that is primarily where the ‘eatertainment’ environment will be, including the potential for a patio facing the waterfront, as well,” mentioned Carter.

SHOW OF CONFIDENCE

“And then on the former Walmart site, there’s additional conversations around some food environment, grocery aspects from that standpoint, as well.”

Rory Ring, president and CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, mentioned the $60 million funding is a present of confidence within the native economic system.

“These types of investments are not done on a whim,” mentioned Ring.

“They are done through proper study and forecasting and understanding the markets of which they are entering.”

Ring mentioned the event could have a constructive affect on different downtown companies.

“We’ll be finding people that will come to Sault Ste. Marie to the Station Mall, and businesses will now have to think how they capture the same consumer,” mentioned Ring.

“It will, I think, up the game for many of our businesses, and that rising tide will lift all boats. So, it’s a very positive thing.”

Also a part of the plan is the set up of electrical automobile charging stations within the car parking zone. Management at Station Mall is hoping to finish development in early 2024.