Workers from Masstar Signs remove the old Oak Ridge Mall sign on South Illinois Avenue on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. The mall redeveloper, RealtyLink, could close on the 60-acre property in January. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
Note: This story was updated at 10:47 p.m.
In one sign of progress, workers removed the old Oak Ridge Mall sign on South Illinois Avenue on Wednesday as the company that wants to redevelop the property prepares to close in January.
The redeveloped 60-acre site would be a mixed-use development featuring retailers, restaurants, residential units, and possibly a hotel. It would be called Main Street Oak Ridge.
RealtyLink, the company leading the proposed $80 million redevelopment, had hoped to close on Tuesday, December 15, but the expected closing date has been pushed into January. RealtyLink only became involved about three months ago, taking over from the previous developer, Crosland Southeast, in mid-September.
There are other signs of work at the property, including large survey stakes with pink ribbons attached and two cleanup dumpsters on the northeast side of the property.
The sign removed Wednesday—it’s called a monument sign—is at the intersection of South Illinois Avenue and East Tulsa Road.
Installation of the new sign is scheduled to start on Monday.
A subdivision plat is expected to be considered by the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission on January 7.
Officials have said RealtyLink and its contractor remain committed to having stores open for seven of the new tenants for the 2016 Christmas season.
They have said demolition of the mostly empty mall could start in January. The vacant enclosed space between the two remaining anchors, JCPenney and Belk, would be demolished, although those two stores would remain.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
A worker from Masstar Signs cuts through part of the old Oak Ridge Mall sign as it is removed on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. The mall redeveloper, RealtyLink, could close on the 60-acre property in January. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
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Will Smith says
And so it begins. Or will the “negitrons” want to think that RealtyLink is spending money to remove the signs without the prospect that the project will continue?
Joseph Lee says
Mr. Smith, that’s a good sign (wink, grin). FYI, negitrons don’t think. They just negate. I believe we are now weeks away from closing, groundbreaking, demolition and the start of construction. This is good news for Oak Ridge. I wonder what will be done with the old sign. Maybe Raymond could use it in la la land. Maybe not. Thank you.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
If signs and trucks were candy and bucks, we all would have a Merry Christmas. This is the same as the other developer. Piddle around and acquire a few receipts and Waiting to know how much our property taxes are going to raise because of this project of leased property. Ifs and buts, maybes and could be, this project is as hidden as was the cash city council came up for their golf course.
Joseph Lee says
Maybe not.
Raymond Charles Kircher says
Oak Ridge leadership and you Joe have been wrong on so many issues, got angry over Jackass Square, been caught in lies, and have such a poor mental state that two tanks of crap exist in this city. One at the entrance to our city and the other next our Senior Center. All you old timers have left is the little things in life, maybe so. Research the sign company Oak Ridgers, this is really looking like another bread crumb trail in a bird sanctuary. So with all the crap tanks and hidden money in this city, it isn’t we who are negatron. It is you. We are very tired of you saying a fake-knock off is worth the same as the real thing. It isn’t, and you are.
Joseph Lee says
Good morning Raymond. Clearly the depth of you negativity is boundless. As stated above, negitrons don’t think the just negate. You are the master blaster of la la land. Have a great day and a pleasant holiday season, if you can. Agent Smith is waiting. Thank you.