White Oaks Mall is nearing the halfway point of its largest renovation project in 18 years.
Construction permit applications with the city of Springfield indicate the yearlong project will cost at least $6.2 million. Mall owner Simon Property Group of Indianapolis has not released cost estimates.
Once the work is finished in May, the mall is promising a new look indoors and out, warmer colors, natural stone, new landscaping, brighter lighting, more shopping amenities, a redesigned food court and a new mix of retailers.
The project also drew informational pickets from labor unions this week. Labor leadership criticized Simon for use of out-of-state contractors.
“What we’re going to have is a totally different environment,” said mall general manager Maureen Bluham. “I think you’re going to find it much more attractive.
“We’ve been lobbying for this for quite a while,” said Bluham.
Most of the work is being done at night to allow for normal mall operating hours. Mall officials are not yet naming names as far as new retailers or existing retailers that might move within the center or could be on the way out.
Mall marketing director Christine Lahmann said announcements are expected in the next few weeks.
“Old to Bold” is the theme the company has given to the project. Here are the major components:
Floor to ceiling
Shoppers can get a glimpse of the original stone tile from the opening of the mall in 1977 — minus the decorative glaze — as flooring is torn out to make way for new entrances and decorative tile on the lower level. The upper level will have carpeting in the common walkway areas and tile at the major store entrances.
“Carpeting helps to reduce noise and makes for a more comfortable environment,” said Lahmann.
A section of the new-look tile is finished near the Sears entrance.
“We’re pretty close to completion with the floor tile,” said Lahmann. “The new tile starts at the entrances and moves toward the middle.”
The food court
The general design has been completed, other than installing floor tiles and decorative stone and laminated wood on the pillars.
Jacksonville resident Jennifer Tapscott said the food-court lineup and look probably will get most of the attention from shoppers once the project is completed.
“We come here once a month at least,” she said. “I’d just like to see some new stores. More places to eat. I’m not real impressed with the food court anymore. Maybe a sit-down restaurant like the Ruby Tuesday that used to be here.”
Former iWorship, theater space
Renovation of the former White Oaks Cinema on the upper-level, Dick’s Sporting Goods wing probably will last longer than the overall renovation project because of the sloping floor of the former theater areas. The iWorship church of Springfield used the space from the spring of 2010 until last fall.
“It’s huge mechanical construction. At this point, it’s just getting reconditioned to put it in line with the rest of the property,” said Lahmann, who said no tenants have signed for the space.
Center court
In addition to the new floor tile, overhead drywall dividers and ceiling panels will be removed to open up the area.
“It will be all glass because the skylights are behind that drywall,” said Lahmann. “There will be metal girders with suspended lights, but other than that, it will be all glass.”
A carousel to replace one sent to Florida for repairs in December should be installed by the end of April.
Family restrooms
Former bank space on the lower-level Sears wing will become a family restroom area with three restrooms, a nursing lounge for mothers and infants, and a “soft seating” area. But there was an early delay because of the former use.
“It took forever to get the bank vault out,” said Lahmann.
Exterior
Preliminary work has begun on new entrance facades and sidewalk and parking lot improvements. There also will be updated lighting, signage and landscaping.
Labor protest to continue
Union members will protest the use of out-of-state contractors at White Oaks Mall as long as renovation continues, said Brad Schaive, business manager for Laborers Local 477 in Springfield.
Members set up at public entrances this week with signs and informational pamphlets criticizing mall owner Simon Property Group for using out-of-state companies, including non-union firms. But Schaive said union membership is not the main reason for the pickets.
“This is not a union/non-union issue,” said Schaive. “This is about people within the community, men and women, being given the opportunity to feed their families. Everyone should have a right to work where they live.”
He also pointed out the mall has backed “shop local” campaigns.
“They’re selling a pitch of buy local … and they’re using people who are never going to spend a dime here,” said Schaive.
Simon released a statement that said local companies were allowed to competitively bid on the construction.
“The renovation project at White Oaks Mall was competitively bid to ensure all contractors in Springfield and surrounding communities had the opportunity to participate,” the statement said.
According to Simon, more than 70 percent of the contractors are from Illinois, including five from Springfield.
Simon Property Group
* Headquarters: Indianapolis
* Owns or invests in 338 properties in the United States and Asia
* 2010 revenue: $3.96 billion (2011 revenue will be reported in February)
Retail market
Veterans Parkway and Wabash Avenue, which is anchored by White Oaks Mall, is one of the busiest retail intersections in the city of Springfield, according to a 2010 analysis by the city of Springfield and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Here are the figures within a five-mile radius:
* Population, 2000: 98,463
* Population 2010: 98,701
* Average household income: $65,738 yearly
* Median age: 38.6 years