DES MOINES, Iowa — The Merle Hay Mall says it's moving ahead with plans for a new arena months after a deal with the Des Moines Buccaneers fell through.
The former Younkers department store will be demolished first, mall CEO Liz Holland told Local 5 News on Monday. It will then be turned into a multi-purpose arena and facility to house hockey and volleyball games, and trade shows and concerts.
"I'm very confident that our location and what we are targeting will continue to serve the needs of the community that surrounds us," Holland said. "The same way it did in 1959 when Merle Hay Plaza opened, and the same way it will 60 years from now."
In July, Local 5 News first reported that the Des Moines Buccaneers pulled out of a deal with the mall altogether after announcing back in 2020 that the mall would be the new home for the junior hockey team.
This year, the Buccaneers are playing at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex.
Regarding the deal with the Buccaneers that fell through, Holland reflecting saying: "We were certainly surprised we didn't see any of the issues that raised as obstacles to getting a deal done. But with that said, it didn't change our original concept for the facility, and for the need for the facility."
Before a groundbreaking can happen, the mall is still looking to amend $26 million in state funds it said are "important" from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and estimating the costs to demolish the inside of the Younkers store.