Plans have finally been released for the renovation of a Quad Cities landmark. Today the Macerich company disclosed the changes in store for Southpark Mall in Moline.
Mall spokeswoman, Aleshia Chiesa, says Macerich plans to demolish the former Sears store, food court, and the section of the mall connnecting them. This part of the mall was added in the early 1990's.
"We want to focus on having a full and fresh mall. So you can be at Dillards and see all the way down to Von Maur, and then if you're at Younkers, see all the way through to J.C. Penney."
Between 250 and 300,000 square feet will be demolished, with the project starting in the spring and completion expected by November. Chiesa also says at least 11 current tenants are remodeling, or have remodelled their stores.
Ray Forsythe, director of planning and development for Moline, says the Illinois Department of Transportation has given its preliminary approval for a new entrance to the mall - from eastbound John Deere Road. And a development agreement with Macerich will be on the city council agenda Tuesday night. He says the company will pay for the whole project.
Macerich is based in Santa Monica California, and owns shopping malls across the country, including Northpark in Davenport