Rentar Development Corp., the owners and builders of the retail center at 66-22 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village, will begin renovating and rebranding Metro Mall under the new name “The Shops at Rentar Plaza” starting this fall. 

The development corporation responsible for the shopping facility says the space will be upgraded with a new interior, exterior, lighting and landscape to give it a fresh, modern appearance. 

Although some frequent shoppers shared their concerns and confusion about the state of the shopping center online after Funtopia USA closed last month, they may be relieved to hear that a majority of the stores currently at the location will stay. 

“While current tenants BJ’s Wholesale Club, Fitnation, Eyeworld Optical and VJ’s Liquors will remain, we’ll be adding a mix of new national and local tenants,” Rentar Development Corp. shared in a statement. 

The only other establishment that will leave the shopping area is a 99-cent store steps away from the BJ’s Wholesale. 

Rentar Development Corp. says the shopping center will remain open during the renovations, with minimum disruption to shoppers and current tenants. 

The shopping center is part of a 1.5 million-square-foot mixed-use complex, originally built in 1972. The development corporation has owned and operated it since its construction. The corporation anticipates the upgrades will create a vibrant shopping hub for Middle Village.