City to Proceed with Repairs to the Village Square Mall; Loading Dock Area of Former Rural King Store to be Demolished

Judge James Eder has authorized the City of Effingham to proceed with needed repairs to Village Square Mall.

The work was authorized earlier this year, but was to be performed by Durga Properties, the mall owner.

Structural problems with portions of the mall were identified some time ago when the mall was under different ownership. When Durga Properties acquired the mall, it appeared an agreement was reached between Durga and the City for Durga to make the improvements or else the City would undertake the work at Durga's expense.

During a hearing this week, Judge Eder denied a request for a Temporary Restraining Order in the case, and authorized the City to move ahead with the work at Durga's expense.

The judge also ruled that the City has still not been authorized to demolish any area of the mall, other than the loading dock of the former Rural King suite. That demolition was first authorized in January. That demolition work could begin as soon as next week. 

In late October, the Court ruled Durga Properties was required to remove all roof insulation in the mall, not just saturated insulation.