Press Editorial: Changes at mall could be beneficial

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News that Prairie Hills Mall is undergoing changes and is for sale is an exciting perspective.

The facility has been a community anchor for more than 30 years. Further, it is a regional shopping center and a sale could mean fresh ideas for an important retail area of uptown Dickinson.

The mall opened Oct. 26, 1978 and features about 267,500 square feet.

There have been a number of stores coming and going as of late and a change could lead to more consistency in the smaller outlets.

The center is also fortunate to have a number of faithful occupants including its three main anchors: Herberger’s, J.C. Penney Co. and Kmart.

People sometimes feel the need to get away and head to Bismarck to spend their money but we promote shopping locally.

These are the places that provide a number of jobs to your neighbors, children and friends. Besides employment, it’s an economic stronghold that provides tax revenue, advertising sales and for some, it’s an important place to take a break and people watch.

The mall has been on the market with NAI Welsh Commercial Real Estate Services since June. We welcome new owners.

There is room for more retail options and it is also an important place to host community events: such as the annual local talent competition. And, of course, it even manages to lure Santa and the Easter Bunny during their busy seasons.

Other recent changes include Bob and Vicki Gillen of Dickinson taking over Joan’s Hallmark Shop. We wish them much success.

The Pretzelmaker is also listed for sale in the April issue of Real Estate Preview.

The mall’s founder and former owner, Larry Kostelecky said while over the years the mall has seen many changes in occupancy, it has managed to sustain itself.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” he said. “... all these years it’s been a pretty healthy mall and it will continue now with all the oil activity and so forth. I can see nothing but a bright future for it.”

Agreed.

— The Dickinson Press Editorial Board meets weekly to discuss issues of importance to the community.

Tags: prairie hills mall, nai real estate services, vicki gillen, opinion, editorials