New Owners Plan Overhaul Of Thunderbird Mall

VIRGINIA - After years of a bleak future, Virginia’s Thunderbird Mall has plans for an overhaul now that a new out-of-state management company has moved in.As places like Duluth’s Miller Hill Mall has re-invented itself the past few years, Virginia’s mall has been going nowhere. Thanks to new ownership, promised changes are on the way for the Thunderbird Mall. "Thunderbird Mall merchants are very excited about the new mall ownership,” said 19-year mall manager Jody Vest. “They're really looking forward to the changes and improvements that are going to be happening here soon." Many of the people working in the mall have been there for years and they say new owners with a big vision is exactly what the mall needs. With a drive down Highway 53 in Virginia, you might see one small and tattered Thunderbird Mall sign."We really hope to vamp up and increase our signage exposure," said Vest. It's the first thing she is hoping to upgrade now that Thunderbird Mall has been taken over by Houston Texas-based Rockstep Capital."One of their focuses is to look for shopping centers in small town America throughout the country, and Thunderbird Mall fit the bill," Vest smiled.Virginia's mall is one of four midwest malls Rockstep aquired as of September 11, 2014.The mall was formerly owned by Rockford Illinois-based Rubloff Development Group. The goal of Rockstep Capital is to fill empty store fronts while not only catering to regional and national chains, but turn the mall's focus to local business owners."We are really missing a food or deli concept that can meet the daily needs of not only our mall employees but also our shoppers,” said Vest while hoping to attract a local deli into the mall. Longtime manager Seth Loeffler with Tradehome Shoes has watched the 43-year-old mall become outdated. He says it's going to be exciting to see the mall transform."It's a quality place to shop,” said Loeffler. “A nice place to shop with lots of options and great service." The new owners say the 22 businesses calling Thunderbird Mall home will stay put, but in a few short months the hope is for the once empty halls to be jam-packed with shoppers."Really optimistic and really excited about the future of this shopping center," Vest smiled. Thunderbird Mall is looking for local business owners to set up shop in the mall. If you’re interested call the mall at (218) 741-9228 or email Jody at jodyvest@thunderbirdmall.com