CBL Properties said today that it is transforming two dozen former anchor spaces in its shopping centers for other use, with 14 of the abandoned stores either reopened or under construction for new use by the end of the year and another 10 with commitments for other development.
The Chattanooga-based retail developer said the changes reflect the move to remake shopping malls into diverse town centers with restaurants, hotels, grocery outlets, offices and other uses for the former department stores and other major mall anchors.
“Our vision of transforming our properties from traditional enclosed malls to suburban town centers is coming to fruition through the addition of new entertainment uses such as WhirlyBall, Dave & Buster’s and Main Event; fitness uses such as TruFit and O2 Fitness; and other nontraditional uses like casinos, office, hotels, grocery and multi-family,” CBL CEO Stephen Lebovitz said in a statement today.
Later this year, CBL said it will celebrate the completion of six redevelopment projects:
* WhirlyBall, Movie Tavern by Marcus, Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants and shops at Brookfield Square in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.