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‘SOUTHPARK MALL IS HERE TO STAY’

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J. Steven Williams, senior vice president of Real Estate with mall operator Security National Properties has made two trip to Spencer to get the clean-up underway Tuesday, following the June 22 flood. He indicated most tenants and all anchor stores have confirmed return. (Photos by Randy M. Cauthron)
By
Randy M. Cauthron, Managing Editor, rcauthron@spencerdailyreporter.com

“The Southpark Mall is here to stay. Security National Properties is committed to our tenants and the town of Spencer.”

Senior Vice President of Real Estate with Baton Rouge, Louisiana based Security National Properties, J. Steven Williams, who has been in Spencer since the first of the week, stressed the south Spencer’s multi-store retail center is hard at work. Though he couldn’t give an exact timeline for re-opening, he assured Southpark Mall isn’t going anywhere.

“That is a moving target at the moment, but our goal is to reopen as soon as possible,” the senior vice president said. “When we have a hard date we will share that with the community.

“I am not aware of any tenants who do not plan to return,” he said. “We have been working closely with every tenant to coordinate our efforts so they can get back to conducting business. I can confirm without a doubt that every anchor in this mall is committed to Spencer and to reopening.”

Those anchor stores include JC Penney, Dunham's, the newly renovated Fridley Palms cineplex, Hobby Lobby and Shoe Sensation.

Southpark Mall Manager Kathy Anderson arrived at the mall as soon as she could get through the flooding Sunday afternoon.

“It was devastating, to see all the mud and sludge on the floor. The water was 16 to 29 inches all throughout the mall. I felt a feeling of helplessness, it looked like everything was ruined. People's jobs and their livelihoods were destroyed in that short time.”

Anderson pointed to the months of planning and work which went into the new theaters and Marjie's Boutique, a new store which had only been open approximately nine days which she suggested was ruined in a matter of a few hours.

“It was devastating, to see all the mud and sludge on the floor. The water was 16 to 29 inches all throughout the mall. I felt a feeling of helplessness, it looked like everything was ruined. People's jobs and their livelihoods were destroyed in that short time.”

Anderson pointed to the months of planning and work which went into the new theaters and Marjie's Boutique, a new store which had only been open approximately nine days which she suggested was ruined in a matter of a few hours.

Anderson initially called Williams late Saturday, June 22, to warn him of the rising waters. She followed up Sunday with photos of the damage.

“I arrived the Tuesday after the flood for a week to get eyes on the damage and to implement next steps to begin the cleanup,” he said. “This is my second trip out and I plan to be onsite every other week until the project is finished and the mall is back open to the public.”

Arriving on June 25, he said a contract was put in place with work commencing on the 26th. California’s ATI National Restoration Services’ large loss division arrived on scene and has been on-site sense.

“Our focus was always to reopen,” Williams said. “We are committed to this asset, the town of Spencer, and our tenants. The only question we had was how long was this going to take us.

“We are excited about what the future holds and appreciate everyone's support over the years,” Williams said.

“We are excited to be reopening,” Anderson said. “We are coming back strong. You will see many new improvements and Southpark will be a destination place for area shoppers to come and enjoy.

She continued, noting the impact to the community the mall provides. “When they come to the mall they also eat in Spencer, buy gas in Spencer and shop other merchants in town. Its a win for everybody for Southpark to be reopening.”

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