Renovation at Great Lakes Mall Begins Tonight

Great Lakes Mall will begin its first renovation since the 1980s after closing time tonight.

Contractors will start the multimillion-dollar project by removing floor tile, column and beam wraps in the concourse, said Renee Lanzara, the director of marketing for the mall.

That will be the first step in an internal makeover that includes:

• changing the mall's color scheme to warmer, earthier tones
• making the columns slimmer to improve shoppers' line of sight
• replacing the flooring with ceramic tile and carpeting
• renovating the food court with new lighting and banquet seating.

Originally, the mall intended to tile over its existing flooring. However, that plan changed after Doug Thompson, the vice president of the architectural firm behind the redesign, said an unforeseen moisture problem required them to replace the flooring entirely.

Even with all the changes inside of the mall, the most conspicuous renovations will occur outside.

The mall has made some alterations to its . However, the mall will still update the food court doors, making it a two-story entrance with a walkway.

The mall also plans to redesign its three other existing entrances, add another entrance on its west end and replace its monument, pylon and directional signs.

The mall's external renovations have already been approved by . Its internal changes don't require city approval.

The renovations will not affect the mall's hours. Construction will be done after shopping hours. Lanzara said the renovation should finish in November.

People can follow the mall's progress on its Facebook page and Twitter feed.

The renovation is paid for by Simon Property Group, the mall's owner, and will not be subsidized by the city.