Towne East Square getting interior, exterior overhaul

Its owner, Simon, announced Tuesday that Towne East Square in Wichita is about to receive a multi-million dollar remodel that will update the look of both the interior and exterior.

According to a press release, construction will begin early next year and will include “contemporary improvements and elevated landscaping.” Mall entrances will get new wood and glass details and signage, outdoor seating areas will be added and parking and entrances will get new landscaping. The car park will also be resurfaced.

Inside, the mall’s second floor will be updated.

Part of the improvement will also include the previously announced addition of Scheels, which is taking over former Sears space on the west side of the mall, the release said. The business, a sporting and leisure goods store owned by national employees, will occupy more than 220,000 square feet and will include a saltwater aquarium, café, wildlife mount and sports simulators.

The Wichita store, which will employ 400 employees, will be the chain’s 31st store. There are also Scheels in Overland Park.

The statement said that construction on the remodel should be completed by the spring of 2023, which is also when Shells opens. The mall will remain open as construction progresses.

The last time the mall got a major remodel was 2008, when Simon added stone-like tiles on the lower level, a rug on the upper level, two new entrances and a children’s play area.

Towne East originally opened in 1975. It will be the most recent renovation of the company’s sixth mall.

Simon worked with LK Architecture in Wichita to design the upgrades. The general contractor is The Law Company.

Simon’s representatives could not be immediately reached on Tuesday for an interview.

This story was originally published December 14, 2021 2:53 pm.