STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The new three-story, 732-space parking garage at the Staten Island Mall is open for business.

There is no fee to park in the new garage, which is part of a construction overhaul of the more than four decades-old New Springville Mall that is expected to be complete in 2018.

Mall owners General Growth Properties (GGP) said the expansion would eliminate about 398 parking spaces on the Richmond Avenue side of the Mall, leaving total parking for Mall patrons at 6,328 spots.

The new three-level garage features LED lighting.

"We knew the new parking garage would play a significant role in enhancing our guests' experience at the shopping center," said James Easley, senior general manager of Staten Island Mall.

"We are so thankful to our community for their patience during the construction process, and we are very excited to offer a state-of-the-art parking deck."

A spokeswoman for the Mall didn't respond to Advance queries for a construction progress update.

NEW RESTAURANTS

Included in the construction project is a 40,000-square-foot Dave & Buster's, along with a new food court featuring 12 new dining options, including Shake Shack.

In addition, European retailer Zara has signed a lease with the Staten Island Mall's owners to open a 30,000-square-foot space in the new section of the Mall being built in front of the existing structure, close to Richmond Avenue.

THE CONTAINER STORE

While not part of the Mall expansion project, The Container Store opened last month in the 23,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Sears Auto Body.

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