Mall Sale Headed to Appellate Court

The circuit court decision allowing the sale of Village Square Mall has been appealed.

Attorney Emily Fitch Friday appealed Judge Allan Lolie's decision to the 5th District Appellate Court. There is no word on when the Appellate Court will consider the matter. Fitch represents Durga Properties, which has owned the mall the past several years.

Judge Lolie on Tuesday had filed a written order confirming the sale of the mall to Square Southtown LLC for $1,275,000. That followed a sale earlier this month where higher bids were received, but the bidders did not accompany their bids with at least 10% of the bids.

The Square Southtown group includes local residents Scott Kabbes, Karen Etter and Michael Brummer.

When Judge Lolie issued the order confirming the sale, the Square Southtown group issued a press release stating that plans for the facility include modernizing the interior of the mall, as well as constructing a new exterior facade and a redesigned parking lot. The statement was that "the improvements are expected to create a safe and renovated infrastructure, provide space for new business opportunities, and support sustainable growth in the area."