Author: Susan Decker Media
INDIANAPOLIS – Sojos Capital detailed upcoming plans to effectively and efficiently complete extensive renovation work to transform the former Lafayette Square Mall into the mixed-use landmark destination called Window to the World. The space will remain inaccessible from Monday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Nov. 21.
“Not remaining open for business during a short-term renovation allows us to address all construction issues as quickly as possible, while guaranteeing the safety of our tenants, employees and visitors,” said Fabio de la Cruz, principal, Sojos Capital. “We have extensive plans to transform the entire neighborhood and opening Window to the World is the first step in creating a welcoming space for everyone to live, work, play and stay.”
Since acquiring the former Lafayette Square Mall, Sojos Capital has completed several upgrades and improvements including replacing the roof; changing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units; painting the interior and exterior; and adding security enhancements. Major renovation during the three-month period will allow workers to get into all spaces to complete the roof, HVAC installation, exterior and interior painting and new skylight installation. The building will also undergo extensive electrical work and new flooring will be installed, etc.
“Sojos Capital is committed to doing everything we can to ensure everyone’s success,” said de la Cruz. “Our team will continue to work with all tenants to create the best possible outcome for each situation. Together, we can elevate the entire neighborhood while providing something unique and authentic. We look forward to being able to provide a window to the world, where you will encounter experiences you can see, share, participate and feel.”
Sojos Capital is continuing to provide support to tenants who have signed letters of intent to return as part of the new Window to the World, by offering:
- Six months of free rent (September 2022 – February 2023)
- Partnership with Indiana Gifts and Indiana Owned to provide online selling and other opportunities
- Free installation of new, energy-efficient LED lighting
- Infrastructure and installation of affordable high-speed, fiber internet
- Professional and business development assistance (business training classes and more)
- Design expertise to help tenants reimagine and economically renovate their own spaces
- Branding, marketing and public relations expertise to support business growth
- Continued safety enhancements
- Participation in grand opening activations and events
“Sojos Capital is committed to doing everything we can to ensure everyone’s success,” said de la Cruz. “Our team will continue to work with all tenants to create the best possible outcome for each situation.”
The soft reopening date in November allows tenants to be open during the busy holiday shopping season as minor construction, design and decorating continue. A grand opening celebration will be held in April 2023 featuring activation experiences and events.
In November 2021, Sojos Capital announced its $200 million dollar plans, including the $20 million renovation of the former Lafayette Square Mall in addition to multiple surrounding properties. Plans focus on the redevelopment of the neighborhood with emphasis on dining, music, art, shopping, housing, office, youth education, sports, entertainment, infrastructure improvements and public safety. As part of phase one, the ground-up construction of a new IMPD Northwest District headquarters (4005 Office Plaza Boulevard) was completed earlier this year.
Phase one of the project, expected to be completed between 2022-2023, includes:
- Converting indoor corridors of former Mall into outdoor street scenes activated with programming throughout the year
- Upgrading building exterior
- Installing mural art
- Building a new underground infrastructure to build more than 700 residential units
- Turning a vacant anchor department store into a boutique hotel
- Developing public trails
- Creating a public park
Future phases of the project include rental townhomes; co-living apartments and age-restricted senior apartments. Additionally, plans include the lease-up and build-out of a veterinarian office, pet boarding and dog park facility; bike rental/sales shop; and new retail and restaurant tenants.
Sojos Capital owns more than 250 acres and two million square feet on the city’s westside. The properties are located within these boundaries; north: Georgetown Road and Interstate 65; south: 30th Street and Lafayette Road; east: Lafayette Road and Interstate 65; and west: 38th Street and High School Road.
For more information about Window to the World, visit WindowToTheWorld.com.
About Sojos Capital:
Sojos Capital, an Indianapolis-based company, acquires, manages and maintains all of its properties through its subsidiaries including Sojos Realty, Weston Property Management, Stanford Management and Georgetown Property Management. Recently, the company announced its multi-million-dollar landmark destination redevelopment called Window to the World (formerly Lafayette Square Mall) and revitalization of other surrounding properties on the westside of Indianapolis. The project will focus on dining, music, art, shopping, housing, office, youth education, sports, entertainment, infrastructure improvements and public safety. The first phase of Window to the World is expected to be completed in 2022-2023. For more information, visit SojosCapital.com.
