By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-855419.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Dallas City Hall is working on new plans to save Southwest Center Mall, at the intersection of Highway 67 and I-20 in South Dallas. Penney's and Dillard's have already moved out, and business is not that good for the remaining anchors, including Macy's, and Sears.
A committee heard several options today. The city could purchase and re-develop the mall. It could facilitate private re-development, or do nothing.
Council member Steve Salazar says the typical "mall" template won't work. He says "entertainment" must be added to the 125 acres, and suggests an "indoor rodeo."
Salazar: People think, you know, who would come there? Well, half your population is Hispanic. They're gonna go. People from Dallas are going to Fort Worth right now to go see rodeos cause they bring the acts that come in. Rodeo is so big that you have concerts and rodeos that sell out American Airlines.
Council member Linda Koop says Valley View Mall in north Dallas should be next in line for help from the city.