Grand Central Mall announces multi-million dollar renovation plans, entertainment center | News, Sports, Jobs

(Photo by Gwen Sour)
Streamers are launched as, from left, Tim Coffman and R.J. Walker of Phoenix Associates Inc., Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick and Anthony Cafaro Jr., co-president of Cafaro Company hammer ceremonial nails representing moving forward in renovation projects at the Grand Central Mall on Wednesday.

VIENNA — A multi-million-dollar renovation project is set to transform Grand Central Mall, with officials and community leaders announcing sweeping upgrades and new attractions during a Wednesday morning event.

Joe Bell, director of corporate communications, said the planned changes will significantly modernize the longtime shopping center and bring new energy to the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“There are going to be some enormous changes happening to this facility over the coming months,” Bell said. “It’s going to be a facility in which you can be proud as a community.”

Anthony Cafaro Jr., co-president of the Cafaro Company, which purchased the mall in October, said the project aims to build on the facility’s nearly 50-year history while updating it for the future.

“This is a multi-million-dollar renovation,” Cafaro said. “The Mid-Ohio Valley deserves upgrades, deserves something better, and we’re here to deliver on that.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour)
Anthony Cafaro Jr., co-president of the Cafaro Company, shares planned updates to the interior and exterior of the Grand Central Mall Wednesday morning in Vienna.

Planned improvements include new flooring, lighting, paint and furnishings throughout the concourse and food court, as well as redesigned entrances, renovated restrooms and updates to mall offices. Exterior work will include new landscaping, paving, roofing and a refreshed building facade.

Cafaro said most construction will occur overnight, allowing the mall to remain open during normal business hours. Work is expected to be completed before the holiday season.

Local company Phoenix Associates will serve as general contractor, with officials saying the project will rely heavily on local trades and workers.

Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick said the renovation represents a major investment in the region and reflects a shared vision for the mall’s future.

“The Grand Central Mall has been crucial to not only Vienna, but the entire Mid-Ohio Valley,” he said. “The greatest days for the Grand Central Mall are still to come.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour)
Cara Cohen, co-owner of The Hive Entertainment Zone shares her plans for bringing activities for all ages to the Grand Central Mall.

In addition to physical upgrades, officials announced new partnerships and attractions, including a rebranded “WTAP Food Court” featuring television programming throughout the space.

A new family-focused attraction, The Hive Entertainment Zone, is also planned for the mall, with an anticipated opening in early November.

Cara Cohen, co-owner and director of marketing for The Hive, said the venue will offer activities for all ages, including sports areas and play spaces designed for younger children.

“Our goal is simple — to create an environment where children can play, parents can relax and families can spend time together,” Cohen said.

Cafaro emphasized the company’s commitment to both national retailers and local businesses, saying filling vacant storefronts with a mix of tenants will be a priority.

“Local businesses provide variety and opportunity for entrepreneurs,” he said. “We want to collaborate and be part of the community.”

The announcement also included a ceremonial “nail-driving” marking the start of renovations, attended by local officials, business leaders and community members.

Officials acknowledged that construction may bring temporary inconveniences but said the long-term goal is to deliver a modernized shopping, dining and entertainment destination for the region.