The Frisco Mall is nearing completion on a $200,000 renovation project that will dramatically change the face of Main Street.

An 1,800-square-foot deck resembling amphitheater architecture will be extended out from the second floor of the mall, according to mall owner Michael Hilbert. A two-way fireplace on the deck will be visible from Main Street via retractable, garage door-style widows that can be opened when weather is favorable.

“I think it is going to be the most dramatic structure on Main Street, and maybe in all of Frisco,” Hilbert said.

Hilbert hopes to attract a restaurant or bar to the upstairs space that will take advantage of the deck space with live music performances. Additional uses of the deck space that incorporate Main Street are being explored, but Hilbert is still working with the town on the details.

“It will be a great location for people to hang out and enjoy the sun,” Hilbert said. “We’re very excited, and we think it’ll be a place where anyone who comes to Frisco will want to visit.”

The mall will receive a “festive” paint job – both inside and out – and the interior common space will be renovated, Hilbert said. An additional 750 square feet of retail space will be made available, as well.

“We already have strong interest from potential tenants wanting to expand or relocate their businesses here,” Hilbert said.

Current businesses at the mall have been inconvenienced by the construction, but owners are hopeful the newly renovated building will have enough of a positive impact on business to counteract any business lost during the construction process. Hilbert said the bulk of the external work will be completed by next week to allow businesses to reopen as usual.

“We’ve had to shut down for a couple of days, and it’s had a big impact on parking and visibility,” said Karen Page, co-owner of the Next Page Bookstore in the mall. “But we’re excited to see the finished result.”

Hilbert said he intentionally timed the construction to fall during shoulder season to minimize impact on current tenants. He has been planning to renovate the mall since he purchased it a few years ago.

SDN reporter Drew Andersen can be contacted at (970) 668-4633 or drewa@summitdaily.com.