The Harrisburg Mall revitalization project took a big step with the demolition of the Sega Sports Restaurant in July. The next step for the new owners will be inside the mall, which isn't good news for every tenant.
Jerry Wit, Senior Vice President of St. John’s Properties tells us that when his company purchased the Harrisburg Mall property in June, they did so at a bargain, reportedly more than one-sixth of the original asking price
Buying low allowed St John’s to immediately make some cosmetic changes and focus on molding the mall into a destination primarily for fashion retail.
“With the new management I feel like they are going to move forward and prosper," stated Daniel Rivera, GM with Larny Shoes.
A fashion-heavy mall is good news for locally owned Lamy Shoes, who tell us they are confident that will drive in more customers.
“I didn't think about it, I don't know how it's going to happen,” responded Prittica Sagara when asked whether she will face a potential change in rent.
She co-owns The S and Dollar, another locally owned store. Wit tells us he does not foresee the need to increase rent
But Blackman’s MMA is another matter. His institution reportedly doesn't fit into St John’s future vision for the mall.
However, Blackman tells us what irritated him the most is he's never been spoken to in person. He adds that despite the success of his studio, the new owners don’t want MMA in the mall, and it makes no sense to him.
Steve Blackman’s main focus is his bail bonds business, the MMA studio is on the side. St John’s told us over the phone that Blackman’s studio isn't conducive to the kind of mall traffic they're trying to drive.
They have several MMA tenants in other properties but none in enclosed malls like Harrisburg’s.
Jerry Wit, Senior Vice President of St. John’s Properties tells us that when his company purchased the Harrisburg Mall property in June, they did so at a bargain, reportedly more than one-sixth of the original asking price
Buying low allowed St John’s to immediately make some cosmetic changes and focus on molding the mall into a destination primarily for fashion retail.
“With the new management I feel like they are going to move forward and prosper," stated Daniel Rivera, GM with Larny Shoes.
A fashion-heavy mall is good news for locally owned Lamy Shoes, who tell us they are confident that will drive in more customers.
“I didn't think about it, I don't know how it's going to happen,” responded Prittica Sagara when asked whether she will face a potential change in rent.
She co-owns The S and Dollar, another locally owned store. Wit tells us he does not foresee the need to increase rent
But Blackman’s MMA is another matter. His institution reportedly doesn't fit into St John’s future vision for the mall.
However, Blackman tells us what irritated him the most is he's never been spoken to in person. He adds that despite the success of his studio, the new owners don’t want MMA in the mall, and it makes no sense to him.
Steve Blackman’s main focus is his bail bonds business, the MMA studio is on the side. St John’s told us over the phone that Blackman’s studio isn't conducive to the kind of mall traffic they're trying to drive.
They have several MMA tenants in other properties but none in enclosed malls like Harrisburg’s.