The Junction stakeholders hopeful for new retailers in 2024

Jan. 30—When plans for The Junction at Logansport was announced by Chicago-based Park Development LLC in 2020, there were many questions as to how the former Logansport Mall would be repurposed and what the end result may look like.

Four years later and many of those same questions remain. Construction crews knocked down and removed much of the old structure as the mall transformed into a strip mall. Current tenants in and around the area making up The Junction include Walmart, The Home Depot, Planet Fitness, Dollar Tree, Dunham's Sports, Home 2 Suites by Hilton, Harbor Freight, First Farmers Bank & Trust, AT&T and T-Mobile.

In January 2023, two new businesses were announced to be coming to The Junction: Dunkin' Donuts and Jimmy John's. After a year with few updates, those involved shared construction is set for the spring, with building dimensions designed and approved.

At the Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce's annual luncheon earlier this month, executive director Bill Cuppy teased some exciting developments in the works for The Junction. The Pharos-Tribune contacted Cuppy and Joe DiCosola, owner of Park Development, to discuss the property.

Previously announced tenants

Dunkin' Donuts and Jimmy John's were previously announced to be coming to The Junction at last year's Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce Annual Lunch, but progress grinded to a halt shortly after. A year later, Cuppy said all the approvals are in place, and are now targeting beginning construction in the second quarter of this year.

"It could be as early as March, but more April, May was the target," said Cuppy, who is also president of the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization.

Potential Future Tenants

All of the main infrastructure at The Junction is complete, according to DiCosola. The company's upcoming focus now includes aesthetic work to the exterior of the former Sears building, asphalt work and striping the parking lot, landscaping and additional lighting installation.

DiCosola said they expect additional tenant announcements throughout the upcoming year. He said they are in various stages of negotiations with several large national brands.

"We cannot wait to share the news once contracts are finalized," DiCosola said.

As discussed at this year's Chamber of Commerce Annual Lunch on Jan. 17, Cuppy said six national franchises have sent letters of intent, two of which have advanced to a final stage in their contracts and he hopes to commence a deal with soon. He said they have mostly been targeting deals for men's, women's and children's apparel, talks with which have been going well.

"The two main categories have been apparel and home goods. So, those two areas, we're looking at like pet store suppliers, that type of industry, additional restaurants that would fit well within a mall setting," Cuppy said. "So, those are basically the main segments that we have looked at."

According to DiCosola, attracting national brands into any city always presents unique hurdles, and sometimes it takes multiple rounds before a retailer receives corporate approval to open a new store. He said The Junction has not been immune to disruptions caused by global economic conditions over the past few years. However, he said they are concentrating on remaining committed and adaptable to fluctuations as they arise, instead of the difficulties they have faced.

"Our goal of offering Logansport new opportunities for employment, dining and shopping is as determined as it was the day we broke ground," DiCosola said.

Logansport's Involvement

The city of Logansport has had a large role in The Junction's creation, as DiCosola said without the assistance of the Mayor's office, the City Council, the Planning/Zoning Department, CLEDO and several other agencies, the project would not be where it is today.

"We consider them partners and thank them for all their contributions and support," DiCosola said.

Cuppy said the Chamber of Commerce and CLEDO have been helping with The Junction since its implementation, helping to connect the new owner with the previous, coordinating any needs such as infrastructure or parking lot enhancements and doing what they can to try and make connections with retailers. They also communicate with DiCosola weekly to get updates on how current negotiations are going, how meetings are going and what they can do to fill in the gaps.

"I would say our involvement is multiple things as far as not only the property itself, but also trying to gain the prospects to go into the mall," Cuppy said.

The Chamber and CLEDO have also aided DiCosola with both funds and connections with retailers, Cuppy said. They have worked with him on what retailers would be the best fit for Logansport based on demographics, statistics and leakage reports.

The Junction's Future

Cuppy said they have heard mostly good things about The Junction from the community, but sometimes the negative comments overshadow the good. He said the length of time has frustrated some, which he has seen mostly on social media, but he understands some of the frustration. Negotiations with national retailers can be a long process that takes a lot of work, he said, but at the end of the day, he thinks it will all be worth it.

"... sometimes we do have to focus on what we have been able to accomplish so far with the new hotel and Planet Fitness and Harbor Freight and Dunham's has done some remodeling," Cuppy said. "So, there's some positives, but I understand. I want this to progress faster too, so I understand if there are some frustrations..."

DiCosola said they are fortunate that the residents of Logansport have embraced The Junction. Their intention is not to rush the course of development, he said, but to take steps that will have a lasting and energizing effect on as many residents as possible.

"The real estate business is no different than other industries, and it is unrealistic to expect everyone will be pleased one hundred percent of the time," DiCosola said. "Park Development is attuned to the communities in which we develop, and we are respectful of the feedback that is both positive or otherwise."

In five years, Cuppy said he pictures The Junction looking full. He said he would like it to be a full mall that not only fills the gaps of what is not currently offered in Logansport so people want to stay, shop and eat, but also attracts people to the community.

"It's not just landing somebody... you don't want them coming and going. You need to land the appropriate fit for your own community," Cuppy said. "So, it's a calculated process we're going through right now..."

Cuppy said they plan to release press releases when announcements are made. For updates regarding The Junction, visit thejunctionlogansport.com.