The shuttering of a 42-year-old Sears created the opportunity for another major mall renovation. A Middle Wing was created, with the vacant Sears divided into twenty-one retail spaces. A restaurant row was also built on the east facade. It included The Cheesecake Factory, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. 

Photo from https://www.nelsonworldwide.com

An interior view of the Middle Wing shows its largest store...a 2-level (23,300 square foot) H & M. The Scandinavian mercantile opened, as part of the official renovation dedication, in November 2014.

Photo from https://www.nelsonworldwide.com

In 2015, after numerous renovations and expansions, FAYETTE MALL spanned a whopping 1,352,800 leasable square feet and featured 154 stores and services. The mega-complex cemented its position as largest mall in the Bluegrass State...with room to spare.