Developer outlines revised plan for Granite Run Mall site

MIDDLETOWN >> A revised conceptual plan for a dramatic, estimated $100 million rebirth of the distressed Granite Mall shows an additional 319,000 square feet of new space will be added to proposed retail/residential use to create an upscale, outdoor “town center” atmosphere.

Michael Markman, president of BET Investments and mall owner/developer along with Bruce Toll, said that with greater symmetry than the previous design, the new layout is more visually attractive.

It also calls for a slight increase in residential units. Outlined to council at its Oct. 27 meeting by Markman and project planner/consultant David Babbit, the revised plan shows a luxury apartment building proposed for the former Chi-Chi’s restaurant site fronting Route 352 and another for the Oriole Avenue side of the mall property, where a movie theater currently is located. Together, the apartments now would offer a total 388 rental units.

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Babbit said there would be 225 one-bedroom and 163 two-bedroom units, with an average monthly rental of $1,600. Each building would have a spacious lobby, nine-foot ceilings, a fitness center, pool, interior parking and other amenities.

Units would be marketed to young professionals and active retirees. Therefore, Babbit said, there would be little if any impact on the Rose Tree Media School District.

However, he noted there would be a significant increase in property and mercantile tax revenue to the township.

A multiscreen movie theater is proposed for on top of the existing JCPenney store. It would be flanked by stand-alone, sit-down restaurants. Boscov’s, Sears, the Sears automotive facility, Kohls, Acme Market and PennDOT’s testing center would remain in their present location.

Markman said the existing indoor portion of the mall would be demolished sometime next year, if possible, after all approvals and permits are secured. In its place would be specialty retailers, restaurants, outdoor seating, entertainment areas and other facilities. The apartments would have some retail space on their ground floor.

Markman noted Starbucks, Chipotle, a specialty bakery/restaurant and about 20 different retailers have expressed interest in the project.

Responding to resident Tim Sullivan’s question, Markman said there are no plans for an overhead pedestrian walkway to link the site to Riddle Hospital across the pike. An Oriole Avenue resident asked for more landscaping between the residential street and mall property.

As for the viability of the proposed project, Markman said that based on their experience, he and Toll are confident the proposed use “will work.”

“We’re willing to invest money to be sure it does,” said Markman, who has called it a $100 million investment.

Project Attorney Joseph Riper noted council’s approval of an amended zoning ordinance is needed to “de-mall” the existing 40-year-old facility and move the project forward.

The proposed redevelopment plan will come before council again Nov. 24.

Source: Daily Times News