I'm super excited for this renovation. It feels like the current Lakewood mall is a shell of what it used to be, and I'm looking forward to seeing some vibrancy and (hopefully) community brought back to this historic space.

What kind of restaurants, bars, stores, parks or general additions would everyone like to see? I don't think the official plan has been released yet, but someone correct me if I'm wrong!!

Personally I'd \*really\* like to see a plaza, fountain, some shaded spaces for community events and just hanging out. Some bistro tables that aren't necessarily tied to a specific business. Fire pits. I know they do the food trucks up there every Thursday, and it would be great if they built in some space to make that a more pleasant hangout.

Some pedestrian walkways and trails would be amazing too, maybe with a coffee shop or boba situated right off the path to create more community foot traffic. There's so many schools and parks nearby and the weather's so nice most of the year, it would be great to create a hub that's more walkable and bikable for the locals. 

As far as food and drinks, I think a wine bar or brewery would be a nice fit---maybe where those shuttered restaurants are off Clark. A Trader Joe's might make sense if they want to bring in more groceries, since there isn't one nearby. 

With World Market and Hobby Lobby already there, I think they'd be smart to add a Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Sur le Table, West Elm, something like that to really capitalize on the fact that many people are already driving to Lakewood from further away to shop for home decor. Make it a destination. 

Recently I saw someone here mention The Americana in Glendale, and that's pretty much exactly what I'd love to see this turn into. More outdoor shopping, more green spaces and infrastructure to facilitate gathering. I spent some time living off The Beltline in Atlanta and something like that could be great too. It probably won't end up anywhere near that cool, but a girl can dream 😅

What do you guys want to see? 

What new stores, restaurants & additions do you guys want to see when they redo the Lakewood mall?