Retail expansion projects on track at Delaware’s Christina Mall

As construction continues on I-95 and Route 1 interchange to help smooth traffic flow at Christiana Mall, new retail projects are on track at the shopping center compound.

According to the New Castle County Land Use Department, the record plan for a 109,000 square foot store addition to the Christiana Mall property has been approved and will now go to county council members for a final vote.

Last year, Cabelas announced plans to bring the massive hunting, camping and outdoor gear store to Delaware and are in the final stages of securing the project.  

According to Larry Tarabicos, attorney for the project, the stand-alone store will be constructed on the north lot of the property where the park and ride facility is currently located.

Cabelas have been accepting bids for the construction project and plan to use a Delaware contractor and a Delaware workforce to build the store.

New Castle County Council is expected to vote on the project next Tuesday. Council is also expected to give final approval for construction of the 16 screen Cinemark movie theater to be built on the mall property near the Cavilers Golf Course.

Tarabicos said they’ve run into very little problems with the development of the new shopping and entertainment buildings.

“It has been very well received by citizens who have called, from elected officials who have been involved and from other mall merchants as well,” he said.

One concern has been how the increased volume could affect the flow of traffic in the mall area.

Joe Reda, co-chair of Land Use Committee said the DelDOT projects currently underway will combat the traffic issue.

“When they get the roads finished with I-95 and Route 1 it’s going to be a lot simpler to get in and out of the mall,” he said. “The road improvements are going to really enhance the area.”

Along with Cabelas and Cinemark, plans for the Colonade at Christiana are also underway.

The 915,000 square foot shopping plaza, previously called the Christiana Fashion Center, would feature additional stores and restaurants conveniently located across from Christiana Mall.

Allied Retail Properties is currently looking for tenants for that shopping center. Reda said they have not submitted any structure plans to the Land Use Committee for the buildings yet.

Cabelas and Cinemark are scheduled to open in the spring of 2014.