What we know about Southern Park Mall’s redevelopment
BOARDMAN — The Southern Park Mall's $30 million redevelopment project was supposed to be completed this fall in time for the retail hub's 50th anniversary, but the coronavirus pandemic has pushed the completion date back by about a year.
According to a news release from mall owner Washington Prime Group, the project is expected to be completed in the summer or fall of 2021. In the same release, WPG announced new tenants joining the mall as part of the project: Planet Fitness, Bogey's Bar and Grill and "The Bunker," an indoor golf facility.
Planet Fitness will occupy the space between JCPenney and Buffalo Wild Wings. Based on building permit applications filed by the mall, Mahoning Matters reported in June that Planet Fitness would be a likely new tenant. Since June, the mall has not applied for any new permits besides those required for maintenance, such as sprinkler installation and tents.
"The Bunker" will include the Ben Curtis Golf Academy and will be attached to a Bogey's Bar and Grill, operated by the owners of Bogey's in Lowellville.
"I am confident this center will be a great facility for our local golf community. From scratch golfers to beginners, from serious league players to those 'Top Golf' entertainment seekers, our simulators and learning center will have something for everyone," said Jonah Karzmer, owner and operator of The Bunker.
On Facebook, Karzmer said The Bunker will include a full bar, dining room, private members dining area, 12 golf simulators with more than 60 courses and entertainment options.
In addition to the new tenants, WPG also announced multiple anchor stores — despite closures nationwide — plan to stay.
Macy's and PNC will renovate their existing locations and extend the terms of their leases. Additionally, JCPenney "has expressed its intention" to remain at the mall, according to the release.
Planet Fitness and The Bunker join previously announced future tenant Steel Valley Brew Works, which will feature bocce courts and other games. The venue will be operated by Josh Langenheim, who owns the Stonefruit Coffee Roasters on Market Street.
Both Steel Valley Brew Works and The Bunker will overlook DeBartolo Commons, a four-acre outdoor entertainment space. DeBartolo Commons will be located in place of the former Sears, which demolished earlier this year.
"As I've mentioned previously, I've grown to love all things Boardman as well as Greater Youngstown and we've promised great things at Southern Park Mall," said WPG CEO Lou Conforti. "While we've lost a few months when the wretched Coronavirus reared its ugly head, we're back on track."
Prior to the pandemic, Washington Prime Group was lobbying for local redevelopment tools that would allow the company to recoup $6 million of the $30 million redevelopment project.
On Dec. 30, Boardman trustees voted to designate the project a Community Entertainment District.
The CED would provide the mall with five liquor licenses without requiring incoming restaurants to acquire them through traditional means. Unlike other means of acquiring a liquor license, liquor licenses acquired through the CED cannot be transferred, sold or used outside the CED designation.
On March 27, Mahoning County Commissioners approved a tax abatement for Southern Park Mall.
The Community Reinvestment Area agreement will exempt mall owner Washington Prime Group from having to pay property taxes on the assessed value of new structures at the site for 15 years.
County Commissioners accepted Washington Prime Group's CRA application at a meeting Jan.16. Boardman school board approved the agreement Dec. 16.
WPG is also requesting the creation of a Joint Economic Development District, which would allow Boardman and another community to levy an income tax on new employees of the mall.
This story was originally published August 27, 2020 at 3:52 AM with the headline "What we know about Southern Park Mall’s redevelopment."