By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Three years ago, MarketPlace of Warsaw was nearly empty and city officials were wondering if it would even remain open.
But on Tuesday, Sullivan Wickley, an Atlanta, Ga., developer — with some financial support from the city of Warsaw — announced the future arrival of the Florida-based Bealls (pronounced “Bells”), a retail chain that will open west of Gabe’s storefront.
John Murphy, partner with Sullivan Wickley, told News Now Warsaw Tuesday afternoon that Bealls will open this fall and occupy 25,000 square feet of retail space.
He said Bealls will be in the corner position once held by Carson’s just west of where Gabe’s.
The addition would be another key step for Sullivan Whickley which took possession of the troubled property some three years ago and added several stores including Big Lots, Gabe’s and 24/7 Fitness after completing major renovations to the building.
“We’ve taken the shopping center from 14 percent occupancy, redeveloping it, and it’s north of 80 (percent) in two years, that’s not bad — good for the community,” Murphy said.
He said they will now focus on filling the remaining few storefronts, possibly with restaurants.
In May of 2022, the city agreed to provide $1.2 million to help with renovations.
Bealls also also has stores in Columbia City and Plymouth.
