INDIANAPOLIS — A new mall manager is hoping to lead a revival of the once-proud Washington Square Mall on the east side of Indianapolis.
Seven new locally owned stores have opened up in recent months, including a video game store, multiple clothing boutiques, a massage parlor and a Native American art and merchandise retailer.
Adrian Lewis, a native of the east side, is helping lead the charge as the new mall manager. Washington Square has organized different outreach and community programs this summer to bring people into the new stores, as well as the existing national chains.
“Malls can be a staple of the community,” Lewis said. “Then as the community goes, so does the mall; as long as the crime is down, which it is for the east side.”
Construction ending on U.S. 40 also plays a role in making it easier for shoppers to return, Lewis said.
Still, not everyone who used to shop at Washington Square is fully ready to return. Antonio Kennedy is one of those people, but he insists he is happy the Washington Square revival is finally taking place.
“I hope they do come with a lot of more stores and you know bring more businesses to the east side because we definitely need it,” Kennedy said.
