Square Southtown LLC Acquires Right to Buy Village Square Mall

Last week, the sale of the Village Square Mall commenced with the winning bid from Square Southtown LLC meeting all necessary criteria.  However, Durga Properties, who has been the Mall owner for the past several years, filed an objection, saying "the sale was conducted improperly".  Judge Allan Lolie took the matter under advisement, promising a ruling early this week.  

Apparently the objection has been overruled, as an order allowing the sale to Square Southtown has now been signed.  The Square Southtown LLC local investment group has acquired the right to purchase the Village Square Mall in what they call "a strategic move to renovate the existing property with an overarching goal of revitalizing the south Banker Street corridor".  Full details will be forthcoming, but plans include modernizing the interior of the mall, as well as constructing a new exterior facade and a redesigned parking lot.  The improvements are expected to create a safe and renovated infrastructure, provide space for new business opportunities, and support sustainable growth in the area.

"The Square Southtown" is touted as being more than just a shopping center, but a "vibrant, multi-use area that will include retail, dining, entertainment, health, and office space.  The Square will be a destination within the city, a place where people go not only to shop but to experience a wider range of activities for persons of all ages".

The acquisition is a collaboration between local community members, Scott Kabbes, Karen Etter, and Michael Brummer.

The Square Southtown says the purchase reflects their commitment to fostering growth and enhancement to the local community.  They say they intend to utilize this project as a way to revitalize southtown, promote progress and instill pride in the southside of Effingham, fulfilling their vision of creating sustainable development and community enrichment for Effingham.

Progress can be found on their Facebook page: The Square Effingham