The Station Mall has announced a massive $60 million redevelopment plan scheduled for completion early next year.
According to a Wednesday morning release from the mall’s hospitality advisors StratonHunter Group, the plan will include a 50,000 square-foot entertainment complex, a dining sports bar and restaurant, and several retail brands.
The mall will also feature new, electric vehicle charging stations in the main lot.
SooToday last reported on the mall in June after their social media page promised “something exciting” was happening at the old Sears location and that locals would be “in for a surprise.”
Since the snow melted this year, construction crews have been busy working in and around the building with significant attention focused on the rooftop, which is undergoing a $700,000 face-lift.
Sanchia Saha, a spokesperson with the mall's property manager Cushman & Wakefield, said the roof was undergoing a full roof replacement including upgrades to the existing HVAC systems.
The parking lot to the side of the former Sears store has been completely blocked off for months to allow enough space for the construction.
Closed since October 2017, Sears was in operation at the Station Mall for 43 years.
In July 2022, the mall was sold to a Markham-based company for half the cost of the redevelopment plan: $30 million ($12 million in cash, and an $18 million mortgage to be paid back to the seller, Algoma Central Corporation).
Mayor Matthew Shoemaker welcomed today's announcement, saying the $60-million investment "shows that there is confidence in the future of Sault Ste. Marie."
"Myself and City Staff have met with the mall owner on a number of occasions, and those meetings have conveyed to us a clear commitment to improve Station Mall," he said, in an email to SooToday. "Today’s announcement cements that commitment with significant financial backing. This is exactly the type of out of town landlord our community wants to see and celebrate, and I applaud the Station Mall ownership on today’s announcement."
SooToday is awaiting comment from StratonHunter Group for more details on the redevelopment plan. The full press release is below.
Station Mall, one of Northern Ontario's premier shopping destinations announces its $60 million redevelopment plan scheduled for completion early 2024.
Shoppers can expect an elevated experience with high-end retail brands that will redefine luxury shopping as Station Mall brings prestigious labels of world renown, making it a fashion haven and retail destination for Northern Ontario.
In addition to premium retail brands, an "eatertainment complex" boasting an impressive 50,000 square feet, Station Mall is raising the bar by combining entertainment and dining like never before. A full-service, casual dining sports bar and restaurant will be announced later this year.
Station Mall has hired trusted hospitality advisors The StratonHunter Group to aid in its transformation into a thrilling hub of adventure and excitement.
"We envision a modern mall that captures the imagination, encourages social interaction, and creates unforgettable moments," says Robert Carter, Managing Partner of The StratonHunter Group. "Station Mall's groundbreaking 'eatertainment' complex, featuring interactive games, extraordinary activities, and exceptional culinary experiences, will redefine the shopping landscape in Northern Ontario. This substantial investment showcases Station Mall's commitment to delivering an unparalleled shopper experience."
As stewards of a greener future, the mall will also feature new, electric vehicle charging stations in the main lot.
Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars because Station Mall is about to unleash a shopping revolution that will be talked about for years to come.
About Station Mall
Station Mall is a premier shopping destination located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. With 97 stores and 555,000 square feet of retail space, the mall stands as an iconic landmark on the waterfront in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, just minutes away from the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge to the United States. Built in 1973, the mall has undergone two major expansions and is now embarking on another significant renovation in 2023. Notably, it houses the 52,000 square feet (4,800 m2) Galaxy Cinemas movie theatre complex, enhancing the mall's entertainment offerings.