Building permits point to SouthPark changes

SouthPark mall is gearing up to add stores from American Girl and apparel retailer H&M in its Macy's wing, and recent building permits show some of the changes that are coming.

The permits, available online here, are for the demolition of the interior space in Auntie Anne's, Nestle Toll House and Planet Smoothie. Those stores are located near the food court, at the end of the Macy's wing of the mall (map here).

"Looking to get a demo permit for interior demo of the space. Demo is Non-load bearing. Would like to start demo while we wait on our building permit to get approved. Will be removing miscellaneous light fixtures, store fronts and interior walls," the contractor wrote in the application.

American Girl - which I hear from dads with daughters is hugely popular - is set to open in the fall. There's no opening date yet for H&M.

The mall is owned by Simon Property Group, which also owns Concord Mills. At 1.6 million square feet, SouthPark is the region's largest enclosed shopping center. According to Simon's most recent annual report, SouthPark is 94 percent leased.