Construction set to begin on Hilldale Mall project

Demolition starts Sept. 4, redevelopment to open in 2015

MADISON, Wis. — Construction on a redevelopment of Hilldale Mall is set to begin with demolition Sept 4.

A mall spokesman said a construction bear claw will rip out the first sections of the old mall following a short press conference.

The project is expected to take the existing enclosed mall area between Metcalfe’s and Macy’s and create an open-air streetscape, officials said. The plan shows outward facing storefronts along the existing streets in the area, and adds an open-air retail connection through a pedestrian walkway to the west parking lot with additional storefronts.

The 53,000-square-foot redevelopment is scheduled to open in 2015.

Some of the stores coming to the new Hilldale development include Kate Spade New York, designer jean retailer Lucky Brand, apparel and accessories retailer Michael Kors, kitchenware supplier Sur la Table, exercise studio Pure Barre and nautical shoe brand Sperry Top-Sider. The expansion will also make room for a European-style restaurant Café Hollander.

Morgan Shoes, Stride Rite and New Balance, all current Hilldale stores, will also be moving to the new development.