CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Big changes are coming to Governor's Square Mall in Clarksville.
In a show of commitment to the community, the mall is undergoing significant million-dollar upgrades, including new logo, new signage, new lighting, new flooring, and even a selfie square at the entrance way. This joint-venture project is bringing a modern look to a community classic.
“The Clarksville community is so deserving of additional investment and really another commitment that our company and our partner, CBL, are making into this community,” explained Anthony Cafaro Jr., co-president of Cafaro Company in Ohio.
Cafaro’s grandfather is the man who brought Governor's Square Mall to life in 1986.
“The growth, as we all know, in this region has been tremendous. We feel that we give back, and the community reciprocates," Cafaro said.
Even though the upgrades were formally announced mid-morning on Monday, June 3, residents still showed up in support at the mall, displaying a commitment that Cafaro said made these improvements necessary.
“We plan on being in this community for a long, long time,” said Cafaro. “Being a privately-held company, we’re a little bit different than a lot of the other mall owners out there across the country, so it’s important that we continue to give back to the community. It’s been a great relationship for these past 35-plus years and we’re looking forward to another 35-plus years.”
On top of the upgrades to the look and feel of the mall, new retailers are also being added, including a couple sporting goods stores, a woman's clothing store, and probably the biggest new attraction, a Dave & Buster's, the first in the area.
“What families are going to recognize is fun. I have young children myself and I wish we lived a little closer, because Dave & Buster's is something I think the whole family will enjoy," said Cafaro.
Work has already begun on the renovations. A grand re-opening celebration will likely be held in November.
| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County
“I think when people walk into the mall for the first time once this is completed, they’re immediately going to sense a difference,” said Cafaro.
Cafaro told News 2 their plans for these upgrades go back about two years. However, he said their mall and those invested in it have always been in the mindset of evolving their location since the beginning.