Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 31, 1993 TAG: 9303310166
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LON WAGNER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
"We've already got two events booked," said Mike Yarnell, a partner in the 20-year-old mall.
The part of the mall vacated 3 1/2 years ago when J.C. Penney moved to the newer Liberty Fair Mall will become the 42,500-square-foot civic center, Yarnell said.
There are few retail stores left in the mall on U.S. 58. The Patrick Henry Mall's future seemed to have been doomed when Liberty Fair Mall lured away its larger businesses.
In fact, some folks were surprised in November 1990 when Holdren's Inc. left its Collinsville location and opened a larger store at the Patrick Henry Mall. But Holdren's was attracted by the mall's central location and low rent.
Yarnell thinks the civic center could be an advantage to the retail stores left at the mall.
"It will enhance their business," he said. ". . . People who come to the civic center will certainly walk into the Holdren's or another business there."
A news conference to announce the details will be held at 12:30 p.m. today in front of the mall.
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