ULI to Report Recommendations for Future of Jamestown Mall at Public Forum
Nancy Schnoebelen
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
314.615.7617, nschnoebelen@slcec.com
St. Louis, MO, September 22, 2009 - Urban Land Institute (ULI) will present its findings and recommendations about the future of Jamestown Mall to the public 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, September 25 at Shalom Church City of Peace in Florissant. After the presentation, St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and Ray Brown, ULI chair of the Jamestown Mall Advisory Services Panel Study, will answer questions from the media
The County Executive has made it a priority to reach out to North St. Louis County residents and businesses to help address the many challenges surrounding the deteriorating Jamestown Mall in unincorporated North St. Louis County. In doing so, he has asked ULI to conduct a comprehensive study of the property and area, engage local stakeholders and establish a viable plan. Nine ULI experts arrived in St. Louis Sunday, September 20, and will interview approximately 100 people as part of their extensive evaluation process.
"The million-square-foot mall is no longer economically viable. Jamestown Mall has experienced typical decline patterns, loss of anchors, loss of inline stores, declining interest in the space and rent, and physical deterioration, among other problems and has become an increasing concern to the economy of the North County community," said Dooley. "ULI is internationally renowned for studying these kinds of problems and recommending the best solutions."
Currently, the mall is owned by five independent owners including: Macy's, Carlyle Group, JCPenney, Sears, and Michael Kohan. Two of the four anchor stores, Dillard's and Sears, have already closed with much uncertainty surrounding the remaining tenants' future.
"We are looking forward to meeting with people and taking into account everyone's input, as feedback from the community and affected businesses is critical in determining our recommendations," said Brown.
After ULI presents its recommendations, St. Louis County will work with Jamestown Mall property owners and the community to assess their interest in implementing the recommendations.
About Urban Land Institute
Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, ULI has more than 40,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service. The mission of ULI is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.
About St. Louis County Economic Council
SLCEC is a not-for-profit economic development organization responsible for creating high-quality business and employment opportunities for long-term diversified growth throughout St. Louis County and region. SLCEC oversees several local and regional economic development programs including World Trade Center Saint Louis, various loan programs, small business incubators, business development and retention services, and community redevelopment.
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