WILMINGTON — Developers of the Collection at Independence have submitted plans for the overhaul of the Independence Mall, including a grocery store in the outgoing Sears location.
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The plans, submitted by developers Brookfield Properties and the McKim and Creed engineering firm, show plans for a 25,659-square-foot grocery store along with ten new restaurant spots.
Several months ago, Brookfield Properties announced the Sears wing of the mall would be demolished as part of the overhaul, but did not say at the time whether or not the retailer would return to the Collection at Independence. In early April, Sears management confirmed the company would not rebuild a new store in the Wilmington area.
Brookfield has also announced it would create an indoor-outdoor food court area. According to Brookfield’s plans, there would be ten new restaurants, ranging in size from a relatively small 2,288-square-foot space with 76 seats, to a considerably larger 8,898-square-foot space with 297 seats.
Six of the restaurants would be located in the main body of the renovated mall, facing Oleander Drive. Another four would be located on an island in the parking lot of the mall along Oleander Drive.
These restaurants would be in addition to Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar, co-owned by NFL quarterback Drew Brees. The Cajun-themed chain is based in Lousiana and Texas, but has recently announced expansion plans. The Oleander Drive location will be the first in North Carolina.
No word yet on what restaurants are planned for the location, or what grocery store will occupy to former Sears spot.
Brookfield did not immediately respond to request for comment, but this article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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