Planning Commission Approves Plans for Great Lakes Mall's Renovation

Mentor Planning Commission reviewed and approved Great Lakes Mall's re-imaging plans for a redesign of its outside signs and entryways as part of a

Tony Pestyk, the mall manager, and Doug Thompson, the vice president of the architectural firm behind the redesign, .

The mall plans to have a redesigned, two-story glass entranceway into the food court with an extended paved walkway. It also intends to add an entrance on the mall's west side and redesign the mall's three existing entrances with new lighting and landscape features.

Planning Commission Member Nicholas Valeri asked if the mall would also be fixing its weathered parking lot.

"Yes," Pestyk replied, "in addition to the renovation, we're also planning some major infrastructure improvements."

Pestyk said those improvements included a new roof and a patched parking lot.

Upon questioning from the commission, Thompson revealed that moisture in the mall's floor tile will chew up a sizable and unforeseen portion of the renovation budget. The moisture means the flooring will have to be replaced now instead of simply tiled over, Thompson said.

The mall manager added that the renovations were just the first step. The improvements are intended to attract new stores and events to the mall in the next few years, he said.

Commission Member Katherine Cimperman asked why all the proposed signs outside of the mall said "Great Lakes," instead of "Great Lakes Mall."

Pestyk said that was a deliberate marketing decision.

"'Blank Blank Mall' is a very old term," he answered. "We just want to say 'Great Lakes' and eliminate the 'Mall.'"

The mall also plans to renovate its food court, switch its color scheme and change its flooring. However, internal changes do not require city approval.

Also, at the Planning Commission meeting Thursday:

The commission approved plans for a Halloween Haunted House at 8200 Tyler Boulevard.

At their last meeting, the commission had voiced concerns about Since then, the managers of the haunted house met with the city's fire and building departments and assuaged their concerns.