Southdale Center Nabs Herberger's, New Food Court

The oldest indoor mall in the country will be getting a makeover in 2011, with a brand new food court and anchor store set to move into Southdale Center later this year.

Southdale General Manager Laurie Van Dalen said the Simon Property group — which owns Southdale — has been working with Bon-Ton Stores for some time and were finally able to ink a deal today to bring Herberger's to the Edina mall later this year. The Herberger's store will fill a 135,000 square foot anchor space that once housed Mervyns.

"I think they're going to be a very good fit for our customer," Van Dalen said. "This move really starts the process of revitalizing Southdale."

Southdale officials also announced plans to construct a new food court at the mall, with space for six tenants as well as indoor/outdoor seating capabilities. The food court will be located on the second floor of the mall, in the wing.

Work on both projects will begin this spring and should be completed by November 2011, Van Dalen said.

Edina Mayor Jim Hovland congratulated Simon Property Group on finding a "quality retailer to add as another anchor to Southdale Center."

"Our community welcomes Herberger's to Edina and wishes them great success," Hovland said.

The Edina location will be the sixth Herberger's in the Twin Cities, with stores already in Blaine, Stillwater, St. Paul, Roseville and Bloomington.

"Minneapolis continues to be an excellent market for us and we look forward to further expansion of the Herberger’s brand in the area," Bon-Ton President and CEO Bud Bergren said. "We believe the addition of a Herberger’s in Southdale Center will enhance the total shopping experience for our customers in this market.”

Herberger's joins JCPenney and as the third anchor store for the mall. Southdale houses more than 130 specialty stores and a 16-screen .

Van Dalen said Simon is not yet ready to announce any additional plans, but said things are in motion to further improve Southdale Center.

"We look forward to future announcements about those," she said. "We're looking at other opportunities to better the center."