Apartment complex looks to bring new life to Chapel Hills Mall

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Since the start of the pandemic, 14 total stores have had to close up shop inside both the Chapel Hills and Citadel malls, but where one opportunity ends, another begins.

Sherry Drew the Mall Leasing Agent for both malls said, “May 1st -- when we didn’t get to open with the rest of the retail, from that moment on it was a struggle. And that’s when we started losing some of our tenants.”

But coronavirus isn’t this first obstacle that these malls have had to overcome. The growth of online sales and open-air malls have taken business away from your normal brick and mortar.

Now, these malls look to the future for solutions, and a 300-unit apartment complex being built at Chapel Hills Mall may be a solution.

Drew said, “[A] high-end apartment complex is going up. What a beautiful venue and a shot in the arm for Chapel Hills for sure. It will be easier to secure some awesome retail.”

If the deal goes through, these apartments will go where the old Sears building currently sits.

“Just to be able to step outside your apartment, go to your salon, go get something to eat go shop for a new outfit, everything bam right there within walking distance you never have to get in the car,” said Drew.

And as of right now, construction is set to begin in October, hopefully bringing new life to the Chapel Hills Mall.