Matt Epperson, who works in Hibbett Sports, says he would like to see an youth entertainment business move into a portion of the vacant building on the north end of Crawfordsville Square. Jeff Leo photo/jeff@jrpress.com
Brittney Dick, Journal Review Reporter
Crawfordsville Square shoppers should notice new retailers within the next year.
New Jersey-based Lamar Companies bought the property off U.S. 231 between South Boulevard and County Road 150S in December and is working to revitalize the area.
Lamar plans to redevelop the former JCPenney location and acquire new tenants for existing stores.
“We have a couple of leads we’re working on that sound promising,” Lamar Companies Executive Vice President Cory Boss said Wednesday.
There aren’t any “coming soon” banners yet.
“The reality is, it’s not something that happens overnight,” Boss said, adding that it will likely be six months to a year before shoppers see anything new.
Lamar will also add several new buildings and replace roofing on the existing structure attached to Kroger.
“This project actually fit very well into our company’s business plan,” Boss said. “We are a turnaround specialist. We look for properties that are struggling with large boxes that are vacant.”
There are currently five spaces available for lease, with the largest measuring nearly 54,000 square feet and the smallest a little more than 1,000 square feet.
Boss said although Lamar has connections with large chain retailers, the company welcomes local tenants.
Lamar is currently operating on a three-year plan, Boss said.
Former owner Tharp Investments, Inc. bought the property in 1995 and operated on a ten-year plan.
During that time, Tharp built a new Kroger, an eight-screen cinema complex and a 26-lane bowling and entertainment center. The mall was also converted to an open-air facility.
“Tharp Investments came in and saved the day for the mall and really kind of spurred a lot of development in that area, and we believe this company will also be of that same mindset,” Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Dave Long said.
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