May 29, 2025
Local News

Big things happening at Dixon Mini Mall

By BY ILENE

Dawn Jones of Beyond gift shop is one of the tenants in Dixon’s Main Street Mini Mall, which was bought by Northridge Properties. The mall, which already has undergone some extensive renovation, is slated for an exterior face-lift this summer. Northridge’s Kris Brantley, a longtime Dixon businessman, hopes the work will attract more retailers to the East First Street location and the downtown. (Chris Padgett)

DIXON – The downtown Main Street Mini Mall will get a face-lift this summer.

A new facade, signage, awnings and trim will match the neighborhood's period look, without major structural changes. The property already has been repainted inside, and utilities are nearly all upgraded, Northridge Properties spokesman Kris Brantley said.

Northridge bought the building 6 months ago at auction for $216,000, Brantley said.

"I just felt it was not being run properly and was degrading as far as property goes," said Brantley, of Dixon. "Our whole goal is to bring more retailers."

Galena Avenue is like a barrier on the west side, and the mall businesses were being ignored, but now with Basil Tree Restaurant established at 123 E. First, the East First Street neighborhood is drawing people, Brantley said.

"We're trying to work with the downtown to get people to cross Galena Avenue and make it more part of the Main Street neighborhood," Brantley said. "A lot of people think [the area] is dying, and it really isn't."

Crescendo Hair owner and stylist Matt Appleman moved his salon from Galena Avenue to the mall last month, for street visibility and the walk-by traffic.

Northridge improved the plumbing and installed hardwood floors, Appleman said. "There's plenty of room here. It keeps it nice and small."

The company also added new high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning, and security cameras in common areas that tenants can access through the Internet service that is provided.

The city's free Wi-Fi is available to customers.

Designated for retail, services and offices, the mall's first floor is home to Crescendo Hair, The Good Book, Happy Trails Antiques and Beyond gift shop, among others.

There's also space for doctor's offices – the mall is a short walk from KSB Hospital, Brantley said.

"It would be nice to see a restaurant go in there, or a coffee shop, " he added.

On the second floor, fitness classes are offered, and there's a rented 2,500-square-foot luxury apartment.

Parking is available on First and behind the building.

The mall also will be a stop on the next Second Saturdays Gallery Hop, on April 10.

Jazz musicians Robert and Linette Chamberlain will perform from 6 to 7 p.m.; there will be a display of vintage Dixon storefront panoramic photos; and a local artist's work may be exhibited.

Main Street Mini Mall

The Main Street Mini Mall, 105-113 E. First St., has 28,000 square feet of rental space with 21 units of various sizes, up to 3,000 square feet.

For leasing information, go to www.northridgedixon.com or call 800-520-9954.