The major expansion and renovation of Asheville Mall in
Asheville, N.C., was officially concluded Sunday, Nov. 19, when a special party commemorating the event was held in the new food court of the mall.
Chattanooga-based CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., owners and managers of the mall, hosted the event which was attended by local and area dignitaries and officials to thank those who had played an important part in bringing this project to its conclusion.
"The expansion and renovation of Asheville Mall distinguishes the mall as the premier super-regional shopping facility in western North Carolina," stated
Michael Lebovitz, senior vice president of mall development for CBL & Associates Properties.
Asheville Mall was acquired in 1998 by CBL & Associates Properties and shortly thereafter plans began to be formulated for the expansion and
renovation of the most successful retailing facility in Asheville.
Included in the expansion was the addition of 88,000 square feet of small shop space to accommodate 20 to 25 retailers, a food court featuring space for eight eateries and seating for over 400 customers, and a 1,000 car parking deck.
In addition, Belk has completed the expansion and renovation of its existing store adding a second level containing 58,000 square feet to their existing store and JCPenney did a complete renovation of their store and added a second-floor entrance from the new parking deck.
Dillard's is scheduled to begin a major expansion and renovation of their store in 2001 by adding 40,000 square feet to their existing 83,200 square-foot
store in Asheville Mall.
A total of 16 stores opened in the expansion area of Asheville Mall including Aeropostale, Cache, Camile's Sidewalk Café, Children's Place, Cunningham Research, Finish Line, Godiva Chocolates, Helzberg Diamonds, Jewel Connection, Kay Jewelers, Piccadilly Cafeteria, Regis Salon, Sprint PCS, Sunglass Hut, Wilson?s Leather and Yankee Candle.
In addition, five of the eight eateries planned for the food court also opened including Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Sbarro, Steak Escape and Tomatoes.
Two new stores to the mall which opened in the existing portion of Asheville Mall included B. Moss Clothing and Saslow Jewelers.
Other stores scheduled to open in the expansion area of Asheville Mall include Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids opening in January; Buckle opening in February; and Banana Republic opening in the Spring.
With the completion of the mall expansion and the Belk Department Store expansion, Asheville Mall now is a total development of more than 1.2 million square feet and has over 130 stores now open.
In addition to Belk, Dillard's and JCPenney, Asheville Mall?s two other anchor department stores include Montgomery Ward and Sears.
Asheville Mall is located at the intersection of South Tunnel Road (US 74) at White Pine Drive, less than a quarter mile from I-240 and is easily accessible from five entrances - four off South Tunnel Road and one off White Pine Drive.