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Eastfield Mall General Manager Melinda Graulau is shown following Springfield City Council vote that approved demolition of JC Penney building.

(Peter Goonan / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD - The City Council voted unanimously on Monday to approve plans for the demolition of the vacant JC Penney building at the Eastfield Mall, expected to enhance efforts to find a new anchor store for the Boston Road shopping center.

Melinda Graulau, general manager of the Eastfield Mall, said demolition is anticipated to occur this summer, to be followed by construction of an enhanced temporary entrance to that area of the mall pending construction of a new building that fits the needs of a future tenant.

The building, constructed in 1966 initially as a Forbes & Wallace, has been vacant nearly four years. While there has been some interest, efforts to find a tenant have been unsuccessful due to the condition of the building, Graulau said.

"Unfortunatley we have not been able to really put anything together because it really is an obsolete facility," Graulau said. "It's super energy inefficient. We have exorbitant costs that go with maintaining it. It has been vandalized. We've had pipes freeze."

Councilors including Ward 5 Councilor Clodovaldo Concepcion said they wish the best for the mall and support its efforts. The neighborhood supports the plans including the Sixteen Acres Civic Association, he said.

Councilor Bud L. Williams said the mall is "an icon and an anchor in the community for many years."

The special permit was needed because the property is within the Regional Shopping Center Overlay District,that specifically requires special permits when there are changes within that zone.