The Empire Mall To Undergo Renovations
by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
October 02, 2012 3:58 PM
Decades after it first opened its doors, The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, is getting a major face-lift. Mall officials hope the upgrades will not only attract more people, but they also hope it will make the shopping experience better for customers.
Tuesday morning The Empire Mall's new look is revealed.
“We've been working with the previous owner and the new owner since the first day I walked in the door,” said Dennis Gilliam.
Dennis Gilliam, general manager of The Empire Mall, said since he began his job five years ago plans for a major upgrade have been in the works. And he is ready to start seeing some changes.
“One of the things we've been working on for five years is getting that center piece out of here. And its going to be gone,” said Gilliam.
That is just one of the major renovations that will begin in January and mall officials said people will not recognize the mall once it’s done.
“The asset will be significantly transformed and we are touching nearly every surface on the inside,” said Stephen Kingsley, Vice President of Operations at Simon Property Group Inc.
The mall first opened its doors in 1975; making this the first significant renovation it’s had in 37 years.
"New flooring, new ceilings, new entrance treatments, we are redialing the food court to ease passage through,” said Kingsley.
There will also be places for you to drop while you shop.
"We are adding soft seat amenities,” said Kingsley.
But officials said the renovation is more than just giving the mall a more up to date look. They said it’s about making it a better place to go.
"We are trying to provide our customer and our tourist customer with a place they can really enjoy,” said Gilliam.
So you can say goodbye to the late 1970's style of golden trim around the ceiling and say hello to open spaces and a modern design.
The renovations will not begin until the holiday season is over, so shoppers and businesses can go about their normal routines.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by November 2013.
