It's a mall-makeover for one of Indianapolis' most popular shopping spots. The Fashion Mall at Keystone is in the middle of a giant construction project. Nearly a dozen new businesses are opening at the mall.
While other shopping centers and malls across central Indiana have closed or downsized, the Fashion Mall is expanding. The construction project should be open to the public in Mid-November.
Simon Property Group owns the Fashion Mall. Simon told Eyewitness News the company is expanding and changing their menu options to keep up with customer demands.
Shopper Paula Stout doesn't mind driving an hour from her Yorktown home to search for a birthday present for her granddaughter. Stout said she shops at the Fashion Mall because she believes there is more of a selection: "They usually have newer things, faster than other places."
There is also a "newer" look. Construction on the Simon mall is nearing its final phases. Simon Property Group told Eyewitness News between the Fashion café and the expansion of the bridge, there is 30,000 square feet of new retail space.
Shoppers can expect several new stores. Indiana's own colorful handbag store Vera Bradley will open in October.
The first ever Indiana locations for Sperry TopSider and furniture store West Elm are set to open in November. Contemporary clothing store Free People will eventually open next year.
Indoor expansion in this economy hasn't been easy for other malls across the country. But Simon Property spokesperson Ed Huebner says the model is successful in Indianapolis.
Huebner told Eyewitness News, "Simon Property has two outdoor malls in the city. This is an upscale mall in the city. We are leaning the property in that direction."
The biggest changes to this "upscale mall" are downstairs in the Fashion Café.
Starting in mid-November, shoppers can choose from four healthy eatery options: Pinkberry Yogurt, Elevation Burger, Freshii, and Indianapolis-based sushi chain Naked Chopsticks.
Shoppers will still "grab and go," but there are more lounge seating options and outdoor dining.
While prices for the burgers and wraps haven't been set yet, we're told they will be "competitive."
Carmel grandmother Cathy Duncan says this café will bring her to shop more often. "I think it's really great that they added to the food court. A nicer one; because in the past not all the options were here. People would come to shop, but then go have a meal," she said.
Several of the new businesses are currently hiring for the holiday-shopping season.
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