Columbus agrees to buy FairOaks Mall for recreation, sports complex
COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH/The Republic) — Columbus officials have agreed to buy FairOaks Mall and turn it into a community recreational and sports tourism complex.
Columbus Regional Health and Heritage Fund-The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County will partner with the city in the effort.
According to The Republic, the City Council on Tuesday approved the spending of $4 million for the purchase, which should close in December. The Republic, a newsgathering partner of News 8, will have a report about the plans in its Thursday newspaper edition.
Economic Development Income Tax totaling $2.25 million would fund the majority of the purchase. The tax source could also provide an additional $200,000 for other costs.
The mall’s anchor stores, J.C. Penney and Carson’s, closed in 2017. Stores continuing to operate at the mall include Dunham’s Sports, Payless Shoe Store and Bath & Body Works. The mall with about 400,000 square feet is on 25th Street west of U.S. 31.