Sunland Park Mall sold, renamed The Shoppes at Solana

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The president of Starr Western Wear has purchased Sunland Park Mall in El Paso's west side.

Enoch Kimmelman told ABC-7 the deal was finalized last week. The new name of the mall is The Shoppes at Solana.

He said he envisions restoring the decades-old mall and revitalizing the space for the next generations.

Kimmelman said the previous owners had run into some financial difficulties and couldn't fully invest in the property.

He was prompted to invest in the mall after seeing how successful his store inside Sunland Park Mall had been.

"Being here every day and seeing all the people who do come to our store, it's pretty clear that there are going to be a lot of people coming to the mall. Once we fix it up a little bit and invest some money. The previous owners weren't able really to do that because they were having financial difficulties. So we're going to invest in the inside and the outside and that's going to make a very big difference.”

Kimmelman said they are working on bringing different retailers and restaurants. He also said architects have already started working. They hope construction will be completed next year.

“The vision for the mall is to have a mixed-use entertainment, shopping, eating, and other activities in the mall that people can come and spend time with their families and enjoy their families, enjoy their afternoons here in the in the mall and enjoy the space," he said.

The owner said he grew up in El Paso and wants to make the mall the crown jewel of West El Paso again.

“It's important for me to see El Paso grow and it's important for my store here at Sunland Park Mall to continue to grow. And so I think it's it's good for the community and it's good for business. And I think everybody wins all the way around," the owner said.

Kimmelman wasn't able to disclose how much he purchased the property for but said he is planning on investing a substantial amount to revamp the space.