Local developer plotting another life for Sandburg Mall

Probably few local residents would have expected to hear that plans to revitalize the Sandburg Mall are in the process, but that’s exactly what a local developer is telling us.Keith Vaughn, who has been behind developments and renovations at Big Catz BBQ and the St. Mary’s Chapel in Knoxville and Charred 51 in Galesburg, says he’s buying the behemoth of former retail glory.

He says fingers crossed, the sale will close by May, and by Spring 2020 the Mall would reopen.

“We’ve been talking with other investors and businesses that want to come in there so they’re very interested. As soon as we get things ready they’re looking to fill some of those spaces already,” Vaughn says.

Vaughn and workers have already been busy clearing out clutter, nearly filling three 30-yard dumpsters as of Monday.

City administration and KCAP brass have been clued into Vaugh’s plans and he says they seem “happy we’re going to make use of the building.”

The Mall is in the City’s Enterprise Zone which means it’s ripe for development incentives.

As far as the building itself, Vaughn says it’s “not bad.”

He’s walked through with contractors and inspectors and first and foremost a new roof is needed, which Vaughn says is feasible.

He downplays the risk he’s taking by saying business is always a risk and you’ve just got a “have a plan” and “do your homework.”

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