WARWICK, R.I. -- At least one store inside the Warwick Mall is planning to reopen next week.
The Sports Authority will open May 17, followed by Target on July 11 and JC Penney on Oct. 3.
All of the major utilities in the mall have been restored, and most of the stores have permits from the city to allow them to begin remodeling and renovating.
"It's coming into vogue, and the last one would be Macy's, hopefully for the Christmas season," said managing partner Aram Garabedian.
Garabedian said the goal is to have the concourse, including the food court, open by Aug. 3. He said it will look a lot different than what shoppers are used to.
"New common area, new information booth, new seating areas, new comfort zones," Garabedian said.
And the floor will be brand new, too.
"Nearly 70,000 square feet of new tile, which will be a different color combination. So, a lot of work ahead of us," Garabedian said.
Other changes include a new big screen television in the food court that will have a message board on the other side.
As for the famed carousel, the wooden base will be replaced and new controls are needed. But the animals that are the main attraction are doing just fine.
The mall has been closed since the massive flooding on March 30 and 31.
The Showcase Cinemas, Firestone auto center and LongHorn restaurant in the mall's parking lot are open.
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