Plans approved for Kettering mall update

UPDATE @ 7:50 p.m.: The city planning commission, as expected, has approved the renovation plan for the Town and County shopping center.

UPDATE @ 6:15 p.m. (March 2): The city planning commission tonight is expected to approve the nearly $7 million renovation plan for the Town and Country shopping center that includes major facade improvements, re-configuring the parking lot, fresh landscaping, as well as the relocation of some stores.

The commission is expected to approve what is called a planning unit development modification, which includes architectural and site changes, said Tom Robillard, city planning and development director. Once the approval is granted, project managers can go get their permits as soon as Tuesday, he said.

Robillard said the project, which will make the shopping center “look very modern,” is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

FIRST REPORT (Feb. 2)

The Town and Country shopping center will be more accessible and cohesive after a major renovation this year, the project’s developersaid Monday night.

Updated facades, a patio and an outdoor walkway through the center are among the plans for the mall’s $7 million face lift.

Last month, Kettering officials said the mall’s owner is in the final stages of negotiation to add an anchor store.

The new tenant, the identity of which has not been made public because of contract negotiations, will use much of the atrium space in the mall, Charles Fraas, of Casto Development, said at a city planning commission meeting.

Renovations will include a patio near Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as landscaping, new lighting and wider sidewalks.

The project is in its early stages and Casto hopes to complete it this year, Fraas said.