Dick's 'House of Sport' plan for Great Lakes Mall approved with bollard condition

Brian Thomas, speaking for Dick’s Sporting Goods, asked the Mentor Planning Commission on Dec. 4 for architectural approval to convert the former Macy’s at Great Lakes Mall into a new concept store called "House of Sport," describing a north elevation with glazing that would overlook an adjacent field, signage and plans for evening activity such as an ice rink.

Thomas said the design added glazing and varied materials to break up continuous EIFS and brick and to give patrons visual access to the field: "we are proposing to build our new concept, which we call House of Sport, at Great Lakes Mall in place of the former Macy's," he told the commission. Administration signaled no formal objection but noted signage will be reviewed separately.

Commissioners expressed mixed reactions to the elevation. Commissioner Varga said his wife described the drawing as looking "like a detention facility" because of the appearance of the outdoor recreation enclosure; he added he supported the project overall but was concerned about the institutional appearance. Commissioner Hadden raised a public‑safety concern, saying a vehicle could potentially drive through the fence and strike people in the outdoor area.

The applicant said fence posts are embedded deep and heavy duty and that they could add bollards if requested. Commissioner Hadden moved to approve the architectural review with three conditions, specifying that Condition 3 require bollards around the fenced area "as per the city code." The motion was seconded and passed on a roll call (five yes, one no). The commission recorded its vote and approved the project with the bollard requirement.

Next steps: signage will undergo a separate review; the applicant will include bollard details in the civil drawings and coordinate any required civil/permitting work with the city as part of final approvals.

Clarifying details: applicant provided address and company affiliation (Brian Thomas, Dick's Sporting Goods) and confirmed fence posts are installed 6–10 feet deep at similar fields elsewhere; bollards will be added if not present in the original site plan and will be coordinated through the city's permitting process.

The commission’s approval included a condition to verify bollard installation or equivalent protective measures during the city’s civil‑permit review.