Published: July 20, 2008 10:46 pm      

Kyova Mall officials ponder future

CANNONSBURG — Johnny Eggleston has no intention of abandoning the effort and investments made at the Kyova Mall since 2005, and mall associates are hard at work planning and making deals to further establish the property along U.S. 60 in Cannonsburg as a vital part of the community as well as a destination for shoppers.

While the mall property recently parted company with a barbecue restaurant, and there is abundant speculation about the future of the large Steve & Barry’s store, plans for the future are unfolding.

Eggleston and associates already have artist renderings and architectural designs in hand for the next addition to the shopping center, an American pub and grill next to the Phoenix Theater providing visitors a new opportunity for dinner and a movie.

“We will be building a kick-out to the left of the theater,” Eggleston said, describing features including a dark wood exterior with an outdoor patio and walk, as well as a second story mezzanine inside.

“We are really committed to doing this the right way,” he said, adding the name of the approximately 6,500-square-foot pub and grill is expected to be announced within two weeks, and should be in business by this fall.

“The architects have been working on this for months. Everyone is excited about it. It will be great to have a great restaurant next to the movie theater.”

Kyova officials are also finalizing details to bring a 10,000-square-foot Dollar Tree store to the former Ace Hardware building across the road from the shopping center, Eggleston said. The Dollar Tree is expected to be open by Nov. 1.

“They want to be open for the holiday season,” he added.

“By that time, I also believe we will have two new food court vendors,” Eggleston said, explaining those deals are still in the works.

Mall plans are aimed at developing a shopping center that is also a “lifestyle mall concept,” with entertainment options enhancing shopping opportunities, Eggleston explained, pointing out the Phoenix Theater’s crucial role in that concept.

“Obviously the theater has been a big deal. It was designed by one of the best in the world and it’s doing fantastic,” he said. “They anticipate having 300,000 customers this year. The owners say it has performed beyond their greatest expectations.”

A tremendous amount of work has gone into the Kyova Mall since Eggleston Associates assumed ownership of the mall property more than three years ago. He said a multimillion-dollar roof repair project was a massive undertaking, as was the effort to bring new life to the property’s interior and exterior. The ongoing revitalization effort has not been easy, or inexpensive, although Eggleston is highly aware of just how far they’ve come.

“When we got here they had given up,” he said, citing the “exodus” of mall businesses following the departure of K-Mart and Phar-Mor. “This mall was a ghost town.”

At that time, Eggleston said Elder-Beerman associates were extremely frustrated with the state of their space. He said Elder-Beerman officals now report strong sales and intentions to invest a considerable amount of their own resources to further enhance the store. “Elder-Beerman is thrilled. They are doing well.”

Sears, Eggleston said, also reports good business at the Kyova Mall store.

“In fact this is one of the few Sears in the nation that did more business in 2007 than they did in 2006,” he commented.

Smaller shops remaining in the mall have also done well, he said, stressing his admiration for the entrepreneurs who have helped businesses, including Uniforms Inc., The Bear Mill, Angel’s Cards & Gifts and The Treasure Chest, as well as food court vendors.

“Master Cuts is also doing phenomenal,” he added.

Eggleston said the success and addition of new mall shops operated by local entrepreneurs can be crucial in convincing national stores to bring their goods and services to Kyova Mall.

“National companies don’t want to be the pioneer. They won’t come in until it is proven the community and local entrepreneurs believe in it. We are working on several of those right now. An entrepreneur is something I respect immensely,” Eggleston said.

The Kyova Mall’s strategic location near Interstate 64 and nearby businesses, including several hotels, give the shopping center a distinct marketing advantage, Eggleston said.

“It is an amazing regional location. If you look at the license plates in the parking lot you see how big the market really is,” he said.

As the company works to enhance the “lifestyle center” aspect of the mall with a children’s playground and community center, Eggleston said he would love to enhance the presence of King Daughters Medical Center, which has a clinic directly across the road from the mall’s main entrance. He hopes to seek guidance from hospital President/CEO Fred Jackson to help the mall become a more integral part of the community.

“I appreciate and respect Fred Jackson and his role with KDMC. I want to include his help with our development,” Eggleston said.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.