Mall continues remodel plan

PERKINS TWP. — Cafaro Co., the Sandusky Mall owner, is moving forward with its redevelopment of the shopping center. In 2018, the company started to plan the remodel of the 44-year-old mall to attract new tenants and adjust to changing shopping habits. The remodel will make the complex a mixed-use property, meaning in addition to retail, it will offer entertainment, offices, restaurants and residential spaces. Cafaro recently finished phase 1, which included the remodeling of the old Sears for Hobby Lobby and the relocation of utilities. "Many things got slowed down because of COVID-19, but we've managed to continue the construction process." company spokesman Joe Bell said. "Next month, we will begin phase 2, which involves some demolition work and the relocation of some interior tenants." The former Macy's location at the Sandusky Mall will be split into three storefronts. Register photo/MICHAEL HARRINGTON Renderings on Cafaro's website show the new Hobby Lobby being separated from the main mall complex to offer more exterior tenant space. Bell said the mall is remodeling the former Macy's location to split it into three smaller tenant spaces. "Our people are talking with popular retailers right now to fill spaces," Bell said. He said the discussions were going well, but Cafaro couldn't release what companies it was in talks with to become tenants. The renderings on Cafaro's website show T.J. Maxx moving from its interior location to one of the new storefronts carved out of the former Macy's. The mall also plans to build a residential complex behind the mall and near the Cinemark Stadium Movie Theater. Bell said there has been no decision made on if it will be condos or apartments. Sandusky Mall facts: • Opened in 1976 • 1.1 million square feet of retail space • Only major shopping center within 30 miles