What we know, and don’t know, about Station Mall development

The hospitality advisors for Station Mall have provided an update on their historic $60 million redevelopment plan that was initially revealed in August 2023.

In a release issued to SooToday, StratonHunter Group has confirmed that a “global beauty leader” will be opening its doors inside the mall later this year.

While they did not say if it’s the popular cosmetics chain Sephora, new job postings on Indeed for "store director" and "talent and business operations" by the beauty company have identified Station Mall as the location for the store.

READ: Sephora coming to Station Mall? New job postings say yes

“The introduction of this industry leader in beauty is projected to significantly increase mall visitation, benefiting all retailers and enhancing the overall shopping experience,” the release stated. “This new addition is anticipated to diversify our retail offerings and attract a broader demographic of shoppers.”

Advanced preparations for the beauty retailer’s launch, including construction efforts, are nearing completion, according to the release.

StratonHunter Group also mentioned there are several yet-to-be named tenants that will be joining the mall, including fast-food chains, as well as a leading shoe retailer, a new-to-market fashion leader, a national brand sports grill and bar, and a fresh food innovator.

As SooToday reported last year, Forever 21 and Urban Planet are among the 10 to 15 retailers expected to move in.

Developments remain underway at the 50,000 square-foot “eatertainment complex,” but specifics as to what will be filling that space in the former Sears remains unclear.

The hospitality advisors say the two-storey complex will involve physical activity facilities, interactive gaming and culinary offerings.

Last November, StratonHunter Group put a call-out for a trio of leasing opportunities on the second floor, which would include a restaurant rooftop patio and a fitness and recreation centre.

A new roofing system on the former retail space, along with plans for electric vehicle charging systems and a hint at potential indoor pickleball courts, rounded out the recent update.

The hospitality advisors did not respond to questions surrounding the 12 condominium towers they initially hinted about on their website last year.

City officials voiced their support for that development if it were to eventually materialize.

The above illustration from StratonHunter Group's website shows the parking lots at the former Sears and Walmart stores highlighted in blue and labelled: "Future Condo Development." The parking lots next to Sears have been closed for the past nine months.

The Station Mall is currently owned by SM International Holdings Ltd., a Markham-based company that purchased the property for $30 million in July 2022 from Algoma Central Corporation.

The full release from StratonHunter Group is below:

$60 Million Redevelopment Plan Ushers in a New Era of Shopping Excellence at Station Mall

Station Mall is thrilled to provide an update on our ambitious $60 million redevelopment project for 2024, aimed at solidifying the mall's position as Northern Ontario’s premier shopping destination.

A Catalyst for Renewal: Global Beauty Leader Set to Open

• Opening Soon: The leading beauty retailer is set to open its doors later this year at The Station Mall. This new addition is anticipated to diversify our retail offerings and attract a broader demographic of shoppers.

• Boosting Foot Traffic: The introduction of this industry leader in beauty is projected to significantly increase mall visitation, benefiting all retailers and enhancing the overall shopping experience.

• Preparation Underway: Advanced preparations for the store's launch, including enhanced store preparations and construction are nearing completion.

Continued Redevelopment Progress

• Infrastructure Enhancements: A new roofing system has been installed on a former major retail space, representing a significant investment in infrastructure. Additionally, new Rooftop HVAC systems are in place, with enhanced ventilation being completed to accomodate new tenants and the expansion of the mall area.

• Storefront Enhancements: Storefront tempered glass is starting installation as an additional infrastructure upgrade.

Ongoing Development and Community Commitment

• City Collaboration: Station Mall remains actively involved with the City of Sault Ste. Marie in the exciting broader downtown waterfront redevelopment efforts. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker expressed his support:

"The City is committed to capitalizing on the potential of the waterfront and adjacent downtown area. We are actively seeking opportunities to facilitate private sector investment. The Station Mall's ownership clearly sees the benefits of significantly investing in Sault Ste. Marie—a demonstration of what's possible when private sector vision matches with strong municipal leadership."

• New Tenants: We are excited about the upcoming addition of tenants, further enriching our food and retail landscape. These include beloved global innovative Quickservice chains, a leading cutting edge shoe retailer, a new-to-market fashion leader, a National brand Sports grill and bar, and a fresh food innovator.

• 'Eatertainment' Complex: Plans continue on the 50,000-square-foot 'eatertainment complex' as infrastructure development prepares for the arrival of exciting physical activity facilities combined with interactive gaming and culinary offerings, establishing a unique 'eatertainment' experience.

• Sustainable Development: Plans for the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging systems are underway, alongside enhancements to community spaces with options such as indoor Pickleball courts.

Engagement Through Events

• Community Support: Our commitment to community support continues with events such as Christmas Cheer, free holiday movie screenings, and ongoing seasonal contests and celebrations.

We appreciate the community's support as we navigate through our $60 million redevelopment for 2024. The imminent opening of the global beauty retailer combined with our ongoing investment in mall infrastructure symbolizes our ongoing progress and dedication to transforming The Station Mall into a vibrant hub for commerce and social interaction.

About The Station Mall: Station Mall is a premier shopping destination located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. With 97 stores and 555,000 square feet of retail space, the mall stands as an iconic landmark on the waterfront in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, just minutes away from the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge to the United States. Built in 1973, the mall has undergone two major expansions and is now embarking on another significant renovation.