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7-story hotel, bowling alley among updates coming to Fashion Square Mall

ORLANDO, Fla. — Renovations are underway at the Fashion Square Mall in Orange County, something shoppers told Channel 9 is a long overdue.

"Last couple years, this mall's been dying. We thought it was going to shut down," said shopper Daniel Rodriguez.

The biggest renovation is a seven-story, 151-room Element by Westin hotel that will face Colonial Drive.

Other renovations in and around the mall include a bowling alley, TGI Fridays, Dick's Sporting Goods and other stores.

"I think it'll bring more customers in, more people, more tourists," said shopper Kayla Reyes.

Developers have moved six stores to make room for the hotel and they're preparing to update the city next month on the progress.

A lot of the changes are set to go before the city's Planning Board next month.  Full-blown construction is expected to begin in the fall.