With malls repositioning themselves for the future, little new leasing activity occurred to counterbalance attrition, according to United. As a net result, there was negative absorption of 144,594 sf from an overall market totaling about 10.8 million sf. Despite the rising vacancy, rental rates have held steady, according to the report.

Burnsville Center owners announced the largest renovation project for the mall since it opened in 1977. Chattanooga, TN-based CBL & Associates Properties Inc. says the renovation will open the way for a 22,000-sf Old Navy store and eventually Gap Kids and Baby Gap stores. In the process, the mall is eliminating its previously closed movie theater space.

Eden Prairie Center's repositioning efforts are also moving along, with a new Von Maur Department Store--the Twin Cities' first--set to open late this summer.