Granite Run Mall: From empty, to movie set, to upgrade?

MIDDLETOWN TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The nearly empty Granite Run Mall may be nearing its final days, but it could have one last hurrah as a movie set.

The company that now owns the mall in Delaware County confirms that there have been talks with movie director Kevin Smith to use the building as a set for "Mallrats 2."

The film would be a sequel to the 1995 cult hit.

If that happens, it could be the building's final bow before the property gets new life.

Michael P. Markman, president of BET Investments, said his company has been in talks with Smith's representatives, but adds that there are some issues to be worked out.

One issue includes timing, as BET Investments plans to raze the mall for a new shopping center. Markman said a new ordinance for the redevelopment has been presented to local officials, and says it has been met with a "favorable reaction."

If all goes well, Markman says demolition could begin in the fall.

Only of handful of stores remain open inside the Granite Run Mall. That includes two anchor stores, Sears and Boscov's, which will remain a part of the new shopping center.

That new center will also include an open-air walkway along with a new, state-of-the-art movie theater, restaurants, stores and apartment complexes.