Tallahassee Mall

As of early October, the Tallahassee mall has been under construction, stores such as; Finishline, Journey’s, and Tropical Smoothie have closed up shop to allow for reconstruction.

The mall was sold to Blackwater Resources, LLC, in May. Permission for construction was granted by the city of Tallahassee in late September. Phase 1 began in October, only a portion of the mall was closed including majority of the food court. The construction will consist of renovations and development of the property. The remaining half of the mall is still open. The AMC movie theaters and other various stores such as, Victoria’s Secret and Bed Bath and Body Works are still open. Another store that is still open for business is C Line Apparel, radio personality and sales associate Jay Kwik looks forward to what is to come to the Tallahassee Mall.

“It’s an era of excitement because once everything is done this will be the place to be,” says Kwik. “But there is definite reduction in foot traffic.”

The Tallahassee Mall had already suffered from the lack of customers that chose to shop there. Stores, such as, Dillards left prior to ideas of renovation because of the lack of foot traffic. The Governor Square Mall seems to be the dominate mall in Tallahassee, especially with the opening of the new store H&M, the recent separation of Victoria’s Secret and Pink, and recent renovations to Pac Sun, Kids Footlocker and Footaction. The two stories Mall seems to be staying ahead of its competition; however, Kwik believes once it is all complete a big change will come.

“Once you build it, they will come to see it. What’s new must be seen,” says Kwik.

The Tallahassee mall has not released a statement to the press yet, but it has been discussed to build a hotel, an amphitheater, and other attractions on the property; even a possible night club may be in the works, along with possible partnerships with the Trousdale Aquatic Center, Green Way Trails and Star Metro. The details on construction and renovations are still being finalized.

In the meantime, customers are still enjoying what is left of the mall. Frequent shopper Tammy Klotz says she enjoys not having to be in the crowd.

“I enjoy it, it’s quiet, you can get in and out,” says Klotz. “It’s less crowded I enjoy that, we don’t have to wait.”

There is no information on when Phase 2 is set to begin. As of now shoppers can watch a movie, enjoy a bite at the Cajun Café Grill, the only food store open in the food court, and shop at various stores. Phase 1 is said to be completed Spring 2015.

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