Phil Castle, The Business Times

Jay Greenberg takes over as general manager of the Mesa Mall in Grand Junction at a time when two new anchor tenants are nearly ready to open in renovated spaces.

That’s part of what Greenberg said attracted him to the latest position in his varied career.

“Knowing all of the exciting projects underway at the center, I jumped at the opportunity to become the general manager. After visiting the center, I fell in love with the Grand Junction community,” Greenberg stated in an email to the Business Times answering questions about his new job and the mall.

Greenberg previously worked as area general manager of properties in Indiana owned by Washington Prime Group, the real estate investment trust that also owns Mesa Mall. He’s also worked in a variety of other positions in management, hospitality and sports, including jobs with Caesars Entertainment, the Indiana Pacers and Seminole Tribe. 

“I’ve been very fortunate in my business career to work for some really amazing companies. I say amazing because each one of them not only gives back to the community, but encourages everyone in the company to get involved,” he stated.

At Mesa Mall, Greenberg will work with tenants and customers to offer experiences he said include not only shopping, but also events and activities. “I would say that I’m the goodwill ambassador and primary advocate for Mesa Mall,” he stated. “I will be highly involved in the social, charitable, municipal and educational institutions in Grand Junction and surrounding areas. I can’t wait to become ingrained in the community, helping to provide measurable opportunities to positively impact our center as well as local partners and organizations.”

With a total of more than 100 retailers and restaurants, Mesa Mall is the largest indoor shopping mall serving Western Colorado and Eastern Utah.

Two new anchor tenants are scheduled to soon open in Mesa Mall — Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dillard’s.

Dick’s Sporting Goods has scheduled a grand opening for Aug. 27 to 29 after renovating a space previously occupied by Herberger’s. Dillard’s plans an early October opening in a nearly constructed site formerly occupied by Sears.

HomeGoods, a home furnishing and decorating retailer, recently opened in a space previously used by Sports Authority.

“We are thrilled to add Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dillard’s to our exciting new lineup of anchors,” Greenberg stated. “The openings will benefit existing tenants, generate strong future leasing demand and solidify Mesa Mall as the place to shop, eat and play in the Grand Valley.”

Given trends in retail sales and the ongoing evolution of shopping malls, it’s important to offer more than shopping, Greenberg said.

“Shopping malls are no longer just for shopping,” he stated. “Guests want more out of their experience, and we continue to evolve into community gathering places.”

Part of the effort includes enhancing events that have included fitness classes, dancing instruction for children and what was billed as a Mav Attack for students at Colorado Mesa University.

“My goal is to provide guests with a town center that offers more than just shopping,” Greenberg stated. “At Mesa Mall, it’s about the experiences and environments we create. We will continue to evolve, expanding out tenant mix, enhancing our robust events schedule and focusing on being good community partners.”