LEESBURG, Fla. — Raw: Shopper excited about mall changes
He said that now, less than a year after new owners took control, things are changing.
"Life is being injected back into this place and it is fantastic," Hickman said.
The owners have made a number of improvements; one of the biggest is a new sign.
"That's the first view that people have when coming, the traffic going by on the highway. We really want them to be impressed and to turn in and see what we have to offer," mall manager Jennifer Glidewell said.
The mall has received a fresh coat of paint inside and out. The food court and the bathrooms were renovated. The lightning and the floors were upgraded and a fountain added.
"We are converting this space into the biggest entertainment zone of the area," Cenk Hayirlioglu of Via Port Properties said.
Mall owners plan to transform the old Target store into a fun zone by adding go carts, a bowling alley and an arcade.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing more businesses and more jobs coming in here," Hickman said.
Owners are hoping the entertainment venue will draw people from all over central Florida.
Leesburg city leaders also gave mall owners the OK to add more restaurants and shopping on 65 acres behind the mall.
Officials say they have brought in new businesses and right now are in talks with others who are looking at possibly coming here.