Mall continues to grow, change
CENTER TWP — In the last decade, the Clearview Mall has become more than just a shopping center.
Since 2000, the J.J. Gumberg-owned property has completed seven projects, adding retailers and restaurants, as well as new entrances to 802,000 square-foot mall.
The projects increased the total number of stores and restaurants at the mall to 65. About 1,500 people work there year round.
Although initial projects to improve the shopping center began with interior renovations in 1997, the mall's first improvement this decade was in 2000, when JC Penney expanded its store to 86,000 square feet.
J.J. Gumberg continued to make changes in 2001, when two new restaurants were added to the mall's mix.
Garfield's Restaurant, a 4,600-square-foot mall-based restaurant with 59 eateries nationwide, opened along with the Texas Roadhouse, a 6,600-square-foot Kentucky-based steakhouse with 200 locations nationwide.
And for the first time, those doors included outside entrances to those businesses. Before their construction, entrances to the mall were limited to anchor stores and halls.
J.J Gumberg spokeswoman Lynsie Camuso said the entrances are aimed at increasing mall traffic.
She said people who come to dine now have the option of also walking through the mall.
"If anything, it definitely increased mall traffic," she said.
In 2004, two more restaurants were added.
Chuck E. Cheese's, an Irving, Texas-based eatery that features entertainment by life-sized computer controlled robotic characters, family oriented games, rides, and arcade-style activities, opened its 7,800-square-foot restaurant.
That year also saw the addition of Dynasty Buffet, a 7,100-square-foot Chinese restaurant.
Camuso said the addition of the restaurants in both 2001 and 2004 was one way for the company to diversify the mall's tenant mix by providing an array of dining options.
Just last year, the company added to that mix, transforming the former Ames space into two more stores
TJ Maxx, a 33,500-square-foot off-price apparel retailer and Dick's Sporting Goods, a 49,000-square-foot sporting goods store, both opened.
Camuso said the subdivision of the Ames space into two highly recognized national retailers increased foot traffic on what was previously a low-traffic area.
Although no specific additional improvement plans are in the works, Camuso said the aim is, as always, to create a mix of stores that attract people to the shopping center.
"It's all about providing to our shoppers what they want," Camuso said. "That's what we're always trying to do."
