Trolley Square Shop Owners React to Mall Renovation Plans
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) News that Trolley Square will soon be renovated by new owners is getting mixed reaction from shop owners. In addition to big name chain stores like Pottery Barn and the Gap, Trolley Square has a large number of local, independent shops like La Perfumerie.
"I'm kind of a little worried at this point because I'm not sure how it will affect the businesses in this mall that aren't like big chains," says perfume store owner Thelma Nangia.
Thelma Nangia opened her perfume store at Trolley Square three months ago because of the eclectic mix of shops and downtown location. She's nervous she may not be able to stick around in the new development. But if the proposed condos and improvements bring more shoppers, that's great news. Tabula Rasa and Cabin Fever owner David Dean has a long-term lease on his store front and is confident the new owners will do well by him:
"The big unknown about them is in their portfolio of properties, they don't have any other retail properties," says Dean. "So our hope is they will be aggressive in trying to improve the looks of the center. It's no secret Trolley Square has been neglected in recent years."
Portland-based ScanlanKemperBard has taken over the mall and could begin renovation as early as September.
CORRECTION: ScanlanKemperBard currently owns seven retail properties in California and Oregon.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW
1. Nick West said:
As a previous tenant of Trolley Square Mall, I can attest to the prior neglect and outright refusal to maintain and promote the Mall by Simon Properties. [I predicted the sale months before the Mall went on the sale block]. For the first time in Simon Properties history, they hired an outside leasing agency to boost the permanent tenants inside the Mall. Then, shortly therafter they put it up for sale. In my opinion they were using artificial numbers to show a higher 'permanent tenant' occupancy than exists. On a per square foot basis the mall has 85% or higher. On a storefront basis it's significantly lower. Most of the tenants exist on temporary leases with no security or protection that the rug won't be pulled out from underneath them at managements whims. I really hope the new owners do well for the property, it is a beautiful and wonderful building that deserves great things.
2. Ben said:
Salt Lake City and other western cities seem to be trying to "capture" what cities like Portland have enjoyed for years. Hopefully the new owners will be able to bring some of that flavor of mixed, pleasant urban living to Salt Lake City.
Simon did not seem to be treating the mall well, especially after seeing Simon malls in other areas.