Despite the fact that the Echelon mall is roughly half empty and suffered another blow in the food court losing the Philly cheesteak place recently there is still hope.
One of Tucker's Worlds inside sources seem to think big changes are on the way. Although ground will not be broken for the new Wal-Mart till after the new year, and the store isn't slated to open till 2006 it will have an impact on the mall. Some stores will be hurt some won't be hurt.
Anyway the feeling is that PERIT is going to try to turn things around. Despite the fact that the Wal-Mart will not be actually connected to the actual mall it is undeniable that their will be an increase in traffic at Echelon. The mall just has to capitalize on it.
My source said that according to PERIT that almost every empty space in the Echelon Mall is spoken for to be filled in this rebuidling process. Although, its unclear when that will actually start. Even the old double level Sears building will be split into two different stores.
It is also unclear to what kind of stores are coming into the mall, and if they will be higher end stores or not. Nothing is likely to change till after the holiday season.
I was there recently when they had a Halloween event and the mall was mobbed. Perhaps PERIT this off. There is still not date for the destuction of J C Pennys yet. If these rumors are true the dark days of Echeleon could be coming to an end soon. 2005, will certainly be a make or break year for the aging mall.