Mall in Elizabethtown undergoing renovations for new storefronts, restaurants

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A mall in Elizabethtown is set to get a huge renovation with the goal of attracting more people to the main retail hub.

Towne Mall is located at 1704 North Dixie Highway in Elizabethtown. It was purchased by Tim Aulbach last December for $9.5 million.

"We have seen the mall decline over the years and we thought it would be a neat project right here in our backyard," Aulbach said.

He has big plans for the 420,000 square foot space.

"It was was something we always thought we would like to redo so when it came available we made a move for it," Aulbach said.

The mall is currently 69% occupied by a mix of store fronts.

Towne Mall renderings 2.jpg — Renderings for Towne Mall in Elizabethtown, Ky.

During the change over process the roof is going to be gone, the center is all going to be open air and interior renovations will continue. The mall will take on a new name, called City Center, since for so many years the mall was the main retail hub for the area along Ring Road.

"The center part where Bealls is, we are going to tear that store down, we're going to open it up for front to back and all of our food court and small shops will be in that center hall," Aulbach said.

There will be more places to eat and current tenants will be able to stay but many be moved around for the new configuration. Construction for the relocated Bealls store is already underway.

Aulbach said big box retailers are eyeing the new design and Malibu Jack's signed on this week. The redesign will cost between $10 to $12 million and will happen in phases.

The mall will remain open during that time.

Aulbach also owns 50 acres behind the mall, some of that will be developed into apartments and a hotel.

"We're a small mom and pop company and we are excited to be able to do this project right here in our hometown," Aulbach said.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2026.

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