The latest on Sandusky Mall's redevelopment plans

12/16/2019 10:00 AM

Michael Harrington, Staff Reporter

PERKINS TWP. — The new Hobby Lobby that’s coming in 2020 isn’t the only change at the Sandusky Mall.

The mall cleared the field near the Cinemark Stadium movie theater, which contained overgrown grass, bushes and trees.

“The land behind the mall was cleared so that our contractors may begin site preparation for new construction,” said Joe Bell, a spokesman for the mall’s owners, Cafaro Co.

Redevelopment

As many brick-and-mortar stores failed to keep up with shopping habits, the Sandusky Mall lost tenants such as Macy’s, Elder-Beerman and Sears.

The mall’s owners, however, made plans to entice new tenants and shoppers to the complex. The redevelopment strives to turn the shopping center into a mix-used location allowing for tenants beyond traditional retailers.

Hobby Lobby will occupy a large portion of the former Sear’s location. The mall’s contractors are working on the space now.

Construction crews are working on converting a portion of the old Sears's location at the Sandusky Mall for new tenants Hobby Lobby.

“Our part of the work will continue until March, at which point we turn the space over to Hobby Lobby’s contractor,” Bell said. “We are also working on plans for several other retailers at the mall.”

Cafaro Co. won't announce potential new tenants until negations are finalized, but the land behind the mall was cleared for another purpose.

“The land on the side of the mall opposite Milan Road has been cleared for another phase of our development, which will likely be a mixture of retail, hospitality and residential,” Bell said.

Cafaro Co. plans on releasing more details when deals are finalized.

Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegister