Users Envisioned Grocery Store, Roller Skating, But Not Slots, for Empty Mall Store

Patch users offerred up all sorts of possible reuses for the vacant store at the mall.

In September, Danvers Patch asked users what should fill the vacant The Sports Authority space at Liberty Tree Mall. Nobody mentioned a slots parlor. The empty store has emerged as recent days as the centerpiece of a plan by a Baltimore-based casino developer to possibly locate a slots parlor there. The 50,000 square foot store would be coupled with another 50,000 square foot addition that would house 1,200 slot machines, according to briefings on the initial plans offered to some town officials. Four months ago, as the space was about to go empty, several users suggested a new grocery store, specifically naming the Whole Foods and Wegman's chains. One suggested a roller skating rink and another suggested that the AMC Loews movie theater …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Visions for Vacancies

Sports Authority Nearing Mall Move; What Should Fill the Empty Space?

The Sports Authority has plans to move to the other side of the Liberty Tree Mall next month.

What store should replace the soon-to-be vacant space at the Liberty Tree Mall that has been home to The Sports Authority? The store has a move planned to the opposite side of the mall and will reopen there on Saturday, Oct. 20, according to Sports Authority spokesman Kelly Baldyga. The store is now located at the back of the mall, near the police station and mall entrance from Ash Street. The new store will face the front of the mall where Bed, Bath and Beyond was located between Kohl’s and A.C. Moore. The new Sports Authority store will have 10-20 additional employees be 35,000 square feet. It will also have a new layout with brighter lighting and bold colors, Baldyga said. Plus, it will include a new fitness equipment area, expanded …

•  12 Comments
• Photos (1)

Patch Facts

5 Things To Know Today in Danvers: Aug. 15

A great way to start the day with a quick look at the events and happenings in town.

Welcome to “5 Things,” your daily resource for community events, happenings in town and other little tidbits of information. Here are five things you need to know on Wednesday, Aug. 15. 1. Cooler and Cloudy: After two nearly picture-perfect summer days to start the workweek, the forecast shifts slightly on Wednesday. The skies are expected to be overcast and temperatures won’t get much above 80 degrees. There’s also a chance of a shower and a thunderstorm. 2. Powerball: Wow, the Powerball jackpot has really grown – now over $300 million. While it still falls short of the record-breaking Megamillions jackpot earlier this year, there sure is a lot you can do with the estimated $320 million jackpot up for grabs in Wednesday night’s drawing. …

• Photos (1)