West Virginia super-regional center to get a makeover
A 50-year-old mall that sits alongside the Ohio River in Vienna, W. Va., is going to get a brand-new look from its brand-new owner.
Grand Central Mall — the only enclosed mall within 35 miles of its region — has been scheduled for a multi-million-dollar renovation by the Cafaro Company, which purchased the property last October for $54 million.
On the work order for the 900,000-sq.-ft. property will be:
- New flooring, roofing, wall finishes, and restrooms;
- Reconstructed mall entrances;
- Energy-efficient lighting to make concourses brighter and more appealing;
- New seating, furniture and other interior décor; and
- Parking areas that will be repaved and furnished with brighter lighting fixtures.
The entire project will be completed in time for the 2026 holiday season this November, according to Cafaro.
“This is just part of our commitment to the residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley region.” said Cafaro Company co-president Anthony Cafaro, Jr. “When we purchased Grand Central Mall last year, we were incredibly impressed by its vibrant lineup of retailers and strong reputation in a trade area that spans two states.”
Grand Central’s tenant list includes JCPenney, Dunham’s Sports, Regal Cinema, Olive Garden, T.J. Maxx, Regal Cinema, Ross Dress For Less, and Five Below — all, according to Cafaro, the brands’ most-visited locations in the state of West Virginia.
One significant new tenant, The Hive Entertainment Zone, is currently under construction in a 20,000-sq.-ft. space that will feature basketball and dodgeball courts; an oversized soft play park for children; a full arcade, and a rope land course.
Cafaro claims that Grand Central Mall is the only major shopping destination within a 70-mile radius.
“The City of Vienna is extremely excited to see the renovations and new opportunities the Cafaro Company has brought to our community, and we look forward to Grand Central mall doing great things in the future,” said Vienna’s mayor Chad Emrick.
