INDIANAPOLIS — A once crown jewel of shopping and dining is hoping to reclaim its title.
Lafayette Square Mall has a new owner, Fabio De La Cruz, who has plans for big changes in the works.
"My goal is to make the mall a landmark of Indianapolis," De La Cruz said.
After earning his real estate license, De La Cruz bought multiple homes and commercial properties around the Mall before buying the mall itself.
"These spaces can be rented and they are going to be successful," he told WRTV. "The biggest challenge that the mall has right now are the big [box] stores ... I don't think that they're going to come back.
Mall tenant Christopher Mitchell quit his job to start a business, Just Like Sunday, inside the mall.
"It's uplifting. It feels good," Mitchell said. "I've been told a lot of things here with the last owners that they could do for me and nothing ever happened."
The project will include a sports park, hotel and apartments. The project should be completed by December 2023.
Mitchell is watching, waiting, and willing to give this proposed comeback a chance.
"I'm ready for new growth and a new look. You have to look good to be good," he said.
Renovations inside the mall will begin as soon as the roof is repaired.
-
Braden Smith leads No. 13 Purdue past Yale
The Boilermakers extended their home winning streak to 21, tying the third-longest in Mackey Arena history.Veteran entrepreneur finds success with help from SCORE mentors
Indiana is home to more than 534,000 small businesses. Free guidance from mentors is available for entrepreneurs working to achieve their dreams.Silver Alert cancelled for missing 41-year-old man from Delphi
Indiana State Police cancelled a Silver Alert that was declared for a missing 41-year-old man from Delphi.Roof upgrade coming to Lucas Oil Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium's retractable roof will soon receive a software upgrade, its first since the stadium opened in 2008.