Readers share ideas on proposed Sandusky Mall plans

SANDUSKY — Tentative plans to redevelop the Sandusky Mall have many people in the area excited for the possibilities.The Register recently published a story about plans on the website of Cafaro Co., the mall's owner, that depict designs for a hotel and converted store space at the Sandusky Mall.Joe Belle, Cafaro's spokesman, said the plans were in their early stages and were subject to change, but that didn't stop readers from sharing their opinions on social media."I sure hope they go through with this," Ian Guerra said."I'm glad to see they're finally going to do something to fix it up and remodel it. Hopefully, it works," Marley Kirwan Lamey said in response.Renderings of what the mall could look like included Five Below as a possible tenant of one of the new storefronts, but readers supplied their own opinions on what businesses they hoped would fill the retail and restaurant spaces if the plans come to fruition."Maybe we should try some high-end options like Apple, Disney, Banana Republic, Abercrombie, etc. If we want the traffic we need to compete with the areas that everyone is traveling to … I know we are more seasonal, however, most locals travel for shopping this time of year because we don't have options … Keep locals here. Give us something to be excited about and don't already have here," Shaun Keefer said.David Knoll chimed in with his own suggestion."Can we get a good Chinese buffet again?" Knoll said.Other stores and restaurants people said they would like to see in the area included Whole Foods, Trader Joes and The Cheesecake Factory. Some people were interested in other options outside retail including laser tag and a trampoline park.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterAerial view of the Sandusky Mall complex with the tentative plans for redevelopment.The Sandusky Mall on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018.The mall as it stands today and possible rendering of what the Sandusky Mall could look like if the proposed plans come to fruition.