Feature: Liberty Mall Grand Opening – Rich in History, But what’s next?

On Wednesday, July 6th there was an evening of events held at the new Liberty Mall. Kicking the night off was the official ribbon cutting for the first business to reside in the Mall, Prudential Peters Realty. Attended by approximately forty people, everyone stood in front of the new store front while the ribbon was cut.

The crowd then moved inside to the atrium of the Mall to listen to the discussions. First up was Dorothy Shapiro who’s husband Irving Shapiro was the founder of Sullivans, the legendary business that once resided in the space now renovated into the Liberty Mall. Dorothy provided a wonderful mix of nostalgia, including great graphic sales flyers from holiday events that Sullivans had. She paused occasionally as her voice would falter recalling the history, the heydays and the demise of Sullivans. Her emotions showed her deep love for both her husband and the business that he built.

Following Mrs. Shapiro, County Legislator Jodi Goodman spoke on what it was like to be an employee at Sullivans. Ms. Goodman was hired as a merchandise buyer for Sullivans by Mr. Shapiro in 1974 straight out of college. She worked for twenty years there and recalled long work weeks but fond memories. She especially praised the vision of Irving Shapiro. She closed by stating that she hoped that the new Liberty Mall would become what Sullivans was, the hub of Sullivan County.

Having heard about the past of the historic building, the program shifted to a panel discussion about the current state of the Liberty Mall. Included on the panel were Terri Ward, CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Pam Winters, Town of Liberty Code Enforcement Officer, and Sam Backer of the Backer Group, developer of the Liberty Mall.

Emceed by Jeremy Gorelick, Chairman of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the discussion started with brief statements by each of the panel participants.

Terri Ward spoke of the location in Sullivan County, Liberty being the geographical center, and how it is prime for shopping. She spoke on how the Liberty and Monticello areas are great for shopping with their easy access to the major highway. She also spoke on how that would support the Roscoe and Callicoon areas which she referred to as the River Corridor, which she feels is the prime location to stimulate tourism in the county with their natural beauty.

Pam Winters then spoke on the readiness of the Mall for store openings. As of right now, in the first phase of opening, the first floor and been approved by the architect for certificates of occupancy. There is nothing significant to keep stores from opening. Currently the second floor and surrounding areas are pending further documentation.

Then Sam Backer, of the Backer Group, discussed who they were and why they chose the Liberty Mall location. The Backer Group is a family owned and operated company based in Brooklyn. This is their first venture out of the five boroughs. But as Mr. Backer grew up coming to a house in Parksville and used to come shopping Sullivans as a child it is a place close to his heart. Combine that special connection with an opportunity for growth, and the Liberty Mall project began.

After the general discussion Jeremy Gorelick read questions from those in attendance. Most were specific to the rental prices and the like. Only one question was pointed, posed by Joan Stoddard. She asked quite specifically about the substantial amount of back taxes owned on the property and when the Town of Liberty could expect payment. Mr. Backer declined to comment.

Finally, Prudential Peters Broker Fran Kurpil talked about the property and the store rentals. She is the listing agent and stressed that they are listing them at below market value on new construction. Common area maintenance is included in the cost of rent and they are willing to negotiate and work with potential tenants. Interested persons can inquire and learn more at MyLibertyMall.com.

As is the case with most Liberty area residents, the talk soon turned to potential businesses. Fran Kurpil encourages people to suggest the type of stores that they feel would be a good fit for our area. As of last week Hallmark had been to the location looking at renting two spaces directly on the other side of the atrium as Prudential Peters Realty. They have also been in talks with a shoe store and a daycare center. Work still remains on trying to get an anchor store as well as a theater. A theater is supported by Mr. Backer who is looking to split the cost with someone would like to be a part of such a venture.

Guests were then invited to walk around the space and were given tours. After hearing about the past, where the project is now and where it hopes to go those in attendance were left to wonder what’s next.

Peters Realty Looking Good at Liberty Mall

If you haven’t noticed yet – Peters Realty has moved into the new Liberty Mall. Their sign is up on the building and looks great. Stay tuned for our full report on last Wednesdays event at the Liberty Mall.

Liberty Mall Grand Opening on July 6th – Peters Realty to Open Office

On Wednesday, July 6th, the Backer Group will celebrate the grand opening of the Liberty office of Prudential Peters Realty with a ribbon cutting and a series of presentations about the past, present and future of the Liberty Mall.

The ribbon cutting will occur promptly at 5:30 PM, with light refreshments and tours of the Liberty Mall to follow. At 6:00 PM, an informational talk on the history of Sullivan’s will occur, with special memories shared by some of those who knew it best. At 6:30 PM, a panel discussion about the construction and readiness of the Mall for business is scheduled, featuring owner Jay Backer and local construction and economic development professionals.

To round out the evening, at 7:00 PM, real estate professionals representing the property will discuss different leasing opportunities, followed by coffee and dessert.

For more information about the Liberty Mall, please contact Fran Kurpil at 845/292-6333. For more information about this event, please contact Jeremy Gorelick at 845/796-3200.