Crossroads Mall, located on 72nd and Dodge streets, will soon be undergoing major renovations to form a new outdoor shopping and dining plaza called University Village, which will target University of Nebraska at Omaha students and Creighton students.
“The only other mall that I know of is too far away,” Business freshman Remi Turok, who is from Las Vegas, said. “I don’t have a car and normally have to rely on either a cab or a friend. I always see Creighton students in that part of town, and they always go in a group. I’m sure that while they are down there, they will stop in.”
Turok also believes that University Village’s location is perfect because she usually shops in that area anyway.
“I love how the [new] mall will be right by all the stores that I normally shop at, like Target, Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond,” Turok said. “While I’m out there, I can just stop at the mall.”
According to KETV News, Target, Barnes & Noble and Sears will remain in the new complex. The rest of Crossroads Mall will be torn down. Project developers plan on adding an H&M, as well as other trendy stores and restaurants.
“I would like it if Whole Foods was at the mall,” Turok said. “I’m a huge organic, health nut freak and don’t have access to my favorite organic treats on campus.”
Arts & Sciences sophomore Carli Haney hopes the new plaza includes Forever 21 and Ann Taylor Loft.
“[The new mall] will be great because it’s closer to campus,” Haney said.
As far as restaurants go, Arts & Sciences sophomore Zac Holmes hopes something like Panera will be built where people can sit outside and eat.
“I’m a huge fan of outlet malls,” Holmes said. “People like to be outside and shop instead of walking around indoors.”
University Village is set to open around Thanksgiving of 2013.
“It was a big thing to go chill the mall with my parents on the weekend back home,” Turok said. “Now when they come visit me, I have a mall that I can take them to in Omaha. I can also go chill there with friends after school on a Friday and do some window shopping.”