Plans include food court, skylights

Joe Bell, Director of Corporate Communications of Cafaro Company, displays artist renderings of a part of the Millcreek Mall during a press conference at the Millcreek Mall in Millcreek on March 27.

[Peter Nill]

It is great that money is being spent to do a badly needed updating to the interior of the mall but what also needs to be updated is the area surround the mall. The parking area, roadways and the overall appearance do not look inviting and compares to the entry ways to a manufacturing plant in my opinion. A lesson should be taken from looking at the Beachwood Mall in Cleveland, Oakbrook in Chicago or even the areas around Tyson Corners in DC. I personally have given up on the possibility of high end shops in a mall in Erie even though there is substantial wealth that could shop in Erie but choose to go out of town.

The developers really need to look at the "total package" to attract buyers from the region and Canada instead of a high percentage of "hanger outers".

[Waisley]

they really should have a direct way of getting from the mall parking area to I-79 north, that would alleviate alot of the congestion.

[khp33]

Waisley wrote:

they really should have a direct way of getting from the mall parking area to I-79 north, that would alleviate alot of the congestion.

What do you suggest? A bridge or a tunnel?

[Penny from Tenney]

I also think they should look at the low end stores that are already in the mall. The dollar type stores and the cheap low end retailers. Over half of the mall is cheap made in China crap stores. That usually means the beginning of the end for a mall when all they can attract is cheap junk stores. Also if they are going to have a food court down where the McDonalds was located, they need to do something about the pet store. It smells bad. My husband and I had a standing joke about going to have a slice of pizza with dog. It really stinks.

[Waisley]

nah, there's possibly space between walnut and the new hotels, not sure about between Dicks and the hotels or between Borders and Max and Erma's, I'll take a closer look on my way to work today.

[Waisley]

If you read the story, they mention that they are moving heartland pets.

Penny from Tenney wrote:

I also think they should look at the low end stores that are already in the mall. The dollar type stores and the cheap low end retailers. Over half of the mall is cheap made in China crap stores. That usually means the beginning of the end for a mall when all they can attract is cheap junk stores. Also if they are going to have a food court down where the McDonalds was located, they need to do something about the pet store. It smells bad. My husband and I had a standing joke about going to have a slice of pizza with dog. It really stinks.

[MCR]

Penney you are so right about the stores. I havn't been to the mall in quite some time so don't know all the stores there. But, are there any products left that are made in the USA?
We go to Grove City a few times a year. We like the look and the feel of the place. Even with all the stores there it's hard to find USA made anything.

LOL... on the pet store. My hubby and I stopped for a pizza once and I accused him of not taking a shower. He was NOT amused.*smile* Seriously, they need to move the pet shop wayyyy away from there.

Penny from Tenney wrote:

I also think they should look at the low end stores that are already in the mall. The dollar type stores and the cheap low end retailers. Over half of the mall is cheap made in China crap stores. That usually means the beginning of the end for a mall when all they can attract is cheap junk stores. Also if they are going to have a food court down where the McDonalds was located, they need to do something about the pet store. It smells bad. My husband and I had a standing joke about going to have a slice of pizza with dog. It really stinks.

[Dee]

I'm glad The Cafaro Co is finally taking the Mall into the 2000's but I agree with they need to look at the "whole package".

Getting their own exit will take action from PennDOT, so we all know where that will go. And for as the rest of the traffic around the mall (ie: Peach St and Interchange Rd) that is Millcreek and Summit Township problems. I know for a fact that Summit Township had hired a traffic engineer years ago to study that area and suggestions for the lights and her suggestions were completely ignored!

I also agree that the parking lots are a mess! There is NO parking for employees! The employees have to walk out to our cars at the end of the lots at night with the lights off, only a half hour after the mall closes, no security. No wonder we get mugged and robbed, but Cafaro still makes their money!

[Nathan]

I don't know if you ever heard of the Concord Mall near Charlotte, North Carolina but they have a really nice well kept up mall that has what I think would be nice in the Mill Creek Mall, hardwood floors I think it would add a nice elegant touch to the other renovations going on.

[MCR]

Sounds real nice but hardwood floors and Erie winter don't mix very well.

Nathan wrote:

I don't know if you ever heard of the Concord Mall near Charlotte, North Carolina but they have a really nice well kept up mall that has what I think would be nice in the Mill Creek Mall, hardwood floors I think it would add a nice elegant touch to the other renovations going on.

[Crystal]

Ya i don't think that the the patrons are going to wipe there feet to much at the door...

MCR wrote:

Sounds real nice but hardwood floors and Erie winter don't mix very well.
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[Amanda]

I understand your desire for making the mall look more up to date, but you should really consider keeping the neon lights because I love those lights there not just there for decoration there a lot more when you walk in to one of the main stores the lights are like a guide to help you get to the rest of the mall, So it would be greatly appreciated if you would please take my opinion in the consideration.