Headlines: The Skinny on Changes In Store for Two Philly-Area Malls

Plus, what's going on with the "Up" house in Seattle and other headlines.

By Angelly Carrión· 7/6/2015, 7:00 a.m.

Is a residential component coming to 9th and Market? | Rendering; PREIT

What a weekend! But the fireworks aren’t over as starting off this Monday’s headlines are two of the retail variety: Delaware County’s Granite Run Mall and Philly’s upcoming Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia.

First up, the Granite Run Mall in Media, which the Daily Times reports is now totally vacant, save for anchors Boscov’s and Sears. The last of its former 125 retail tenants shut down last week in the face of ending leases and to follow is a demolition expected “as early as this fall, according to Michael Markman, president of BET Investments Inc.” BET, which acquired the mall for over $24 million last year, is looking to redevelop the property for a purported $20 million.

So what’s to happen with the 58-acre site? Per the Daily Times, BET envisions it becoming a “walkable, outdoor town center” with retail (including the current anchors), restaurant, residential, and entertainment amenities. The plan would happen over two phases. The Media Borough Council will review the preliminary land development plan for the project Monday, July 27.

Meanwhile, back in Philly, the Inquirer‘s Inga Saffron offered up her two-cents about the design of the anticipated Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia.

According to the savvy architecture critic, while the former “dowdy Gallery will emerge from its surgery looking fresher and more sophisticated,” it’s also important to note that not all of the updates alluded to in its renderings will happen.

Among the changes we should stop crossing our fingers for are the Market Street display windows, street-facing doors, and, potentially, the amped up “sidewalk appeal.” On the plus side, Saffron has learned that PREIT is “seeking a partner” to help develop a residential tower, anticipated to be the first of three, on the corner of 9th and Market.