The Eastern Hills Mall is getting ready for a makeover.

Several anchor stores and other tenants have closed their doors in recent years, but there’s reason for optimism going forward, as an architecture firm has been selected to transform the mall into a town center.

“There would be housing, there would be businesses, there would be retailers, entertainment venues, health care services and there would be a public place where the community could gather,” explained Jillian Pawlik of Uniland Development.

It could take 3 to 10 years for the transformation to be completed, but California-based architectural design firm Gensler will lead the project on the 100-acre property. 

Gensler’s selection was welcomed by shoppers and mall tenants alike.

“I think in the beginning people will have mixed feelings, but in the end, people will be happy,” said Kim Nelson, owner of Raff & Friends, a mall staple for 14 years. She’s happy for anything that might help boost sales.

The transformation to town center will be led by Marc Buffrett, a graduate of the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture who is familiar with the region.

"Their job is to look at all the data and do competitive analysis and understand what the market needs and what the market will bear,” Pawlik said. “That’s how we help determine what's going to be those strategic pieces to put in place that will not only be successful for the businesses that locate there but also for the community members.”

The master planning phase will take about  a year and the mall will continue to operate as normal.