At Frenchtown, the company plans a major upgrade to the20-year-old mall, starting in early 2009 and finishing by Christmasof that year. A spokesman says the company will undertake a varietyof interior and exterior renovations. "We typically go in and, onthe interior, add skylights, a new ceiling, floor treatments,things like that to give it more of a 21st century look. AtFrenchtown, we're also going to add new offerings such as appareland food vendors. This takes some time, working out over a periodof months, if not years." The occupancy at the mall now is in the'90s, the spokesman says.

He says his company has been in talks with Monroe officialsabout what they would like to see done at the mall, and especiallyto dispel hints of a closure. "There were rumors we were going tolevel it and turn it into condos, but we have absolutely nointention of closing the mall," the spokesman says. The exact costfor the upgrade can't be released, he says.

The expansion at Spotsylvania will be in the "10s of millions,"the spokesman says. "We're in discussions with high-end retailers,and just yesterday Coldwater Creek agreed to take up residencethere. There are other retailers with space now out for signature.We're slated to be finished with that one by November of thisyear," he says.