DP Management

In the early morning hours Sunday as the Hays area received a high volume of much-needed rain, Big Creek Crossing experienced a roof collapse over the Payless Shoe Source space. In turn, the falling material severed a fire sprinkler line which lead to significant water damage within the mall. Mall staff responded immediately and all utilities to the center were shut off to prevent further damage. No word has yet been provided to mall staff regarding the cause of the incident.

Staff members, led by Mall Manager Katie Dorzweiler, have been working since the early morning hours of Sunday with roof, sprinkler and general contractors on-site to stabilize the affected areas and clean up the surrounding bays. While Payless, Vanity, Bling and Imperial Garden suffered the most damage, the remaining stores are being dried out and should be open soon. Please direct any questions to Mall Marketing Director James Younger, who will issue a statement as more information becomes available.

Although this incident is unfortunate, Big Creek Crossing is poised to receive much positive news. Architectural work for the new mall fascia, which is to be funded by the CID, is underway and construction is projected to begin this summer. In addition, mall ownership signed a letter of intent last week with a coveted national brand retailer and is in final negotiations on another. Although these discussions are sensitive and details cannot yet be shared, mall ownership feels the roof situation should not diminish this positive momentum and are excited to bring new retail to Hays.