The City of Danville has released new details regarding the recent auction of the Village Mall Shopping Center.
The following is a news release that the City of Danville announced late Friday, July 26, 2024:
The City of Danville is pleased to provide an update regarding the recent auction of the Village
Mall. As previously indicated, the 35+ acres that constitute the Village Mall were divided into
three parcels and subsequently put up for auction on May 13, 2024. It is our privilege to
announce that the section of the mall stretching from County Market to the former Burlington
Coat Factory (all of the Mall building) has been acquired by Mr. Jimmy Virk. Mr. Virk is a
seasoned investor with a strong background in the payment processing industry who has
successfully ventured into business and real estate pursuits.
The current tenants include County Market, Ross Dress for Less, Dunham’s, Pet Supplies Plus,
Bath and Body Works, JoAnn’s, Citi Trends, Hibbett Sports, and Danville Community College
Barber School have leases extending from another year to as many as five years and intend to
stay at this time.
During their discussions with several community venues in Danville, Mr. Virk and his team
concluded that enhancing the mall’s appeal with additional entertainment and dining options is
essential for its revitalization. The planned enhancements include bringing back a movie theater
with dine-in services and luxury seating, attracting a larger indoor entertainment/amusement
center, introducing a new sit-down restaurant, and creating space for additional larger retail
tenants. This redevelopment plan will involve repurposing certain smaller units to accommodate
the new spaces without compromising the overall indoor mall area.
Mr. Virk expressed optimism regarding the ongoing efforts to revitalize the mall, envisioning its
transformation into a vibrant communal gathering place. He emphasized the significance of
enriching Danville’s amenities and providing residents with convenient access to entertainment
and dining options close to home, thus reducing the need to travel to Champaign or other areas.
Regarding Mr. Virk, Mayor Williams said, “We’ve found someone with a vision for the Mall
that matches ours and who also has the experience and resources necessary to make it a regional
attraction. Once complete, this project will greatly enhance our overall quality of life, and we’ll
do all we can to ensure its success.”
The City does not know who purchased the remaining parcel. We will provide any updates
about it and the Village Mall projects as we learn more.
