Towne East Square getting a major overhaul both inside and out, its first since 2008

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

According to a news release, construction will begin early next year and will include “contemporary improvements and elevated landscaping.” The mall’s entrances will get wood and glass details and new signage, outdoor seating areas will be added and the parking lots and entryways will get new landscaping. The parking lot also will be repaved.

Inside, the mall’s second level will get updated flooring.

Part of the improvement, the release said, will also include the previously announced addition of Scheels, which is taking over the former Sears space on the mall’s west side. That business, a national employee-owned sporting goods and entertainment chain store, will take over 220,000 square feet and will include a saltwater aquarium, a cafe, a wildlife mountain and sports simulators.

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

Construction on the remodel should be finished by spring 2023, the release said, which is also when Scheels is scheduled to open. The mall will remain open as construction progresses.

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

Towne East originally opened in 1975. The newest renovation of the mall will be the company’s sixth.

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

Simon representatives were not immediately available on Tuesday for an interview.

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

Denise Neil

The Wichita Eagle

316-268-6327

Denise Neil has covered restaurants and entertainment since 1997. Her Dining with Denise Facebook page is the go-to place for diners to get information about local restaurants. She’s a regular judge at local food competitions and speaks to groups all over Wichita about dining.