By Rodney Dunigan
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For years the Hickory Hollow Mall has been in decline. A number of anchor stores have moved out and most shopping traffic has slowed to a trickle, but they could soon be experiencing a rebirth.
The "Academy", a new Metro School, seems to be just the start for the mall. The unique metro school serves as a bridge to graduation for students who've fallen off track.
The city is also in talks with Nashville State community college about moving a satellite campus to the mall. The idea is to make Hickory Hollow an education hub, even opening a library on site.
Metro councilman Sam Coleman told NewsChannel 5 the changes would not only bring in more foot traffic, but hopefully more business to turn the dying mall around.
"I think that in the next 5 to 10 years you won't know this area. It's going to be back to the way it was in the mid-80's," said Coleman.
Coleman also told NewsChannel 5 the city council has been looking over a plan to help Nashville State with the funding needed to open the Hickory Hollow campus.
But nothing has been finalized at this point.
Email: rdunigan@newschannel5.com
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