Value add

Like many older enclosed malls in economically challenged areas, DeSoto Square Mall has suffered mightily in recent years.

Tenants ranging from Macy's to Chick-fil-A have left the Bradenton shopping hub in droves, leaving vacancies and falling operating income in their wake.

Remaining anchors like Sears and J.C. Penney — both of which have struggled to maintain their own viability — haven't been able to generate new momentum for the 680,000-square-foot retail hub, either.