Major changes are expected for downtown Fresno's Fulton Mall.
The revitalization efforts could take three routes: Two of the options propose removing some of the concrete and putting a street through the mall. The third option would be for complete restoration.
Business owner Craig Scharton says this would bring in much-needed traffic to his restaurant and bar Peeve's Public House.
"We go through an extraordinary efforts to get people here because you see people walking around now--at 6 o'clock, there's no one," Scharton says.
Empty store fronts are scattered throughout the mall.
Kate Borders with the Downtown Fresno Partnership says that's the case for about 70 percent of the buildings there.
"The recession hit downtown pretty hard, and this obviously is one of the elements that we're trying to help move that revitalization along," Borders says.
Supporters say other big cities that have successful downtowns with main streets running through are indicative of what could happen in Fresno.
"We have connectivity, visibility, predictable streets, great pedestrian space, great outdoor dining space," Scharton says as he points down the mall where the proposed streets would go through.
Other business owners, who didn't want to comment on camera, said they already have a client base, and believe putting in a street would be a waste of money.
Doug Richert with the Downtown Fresno Coalition opposes the street plan but says he still encourages revitalization and preservation of the mall's unique architecture.
"We recognize that the mall is a cultural, historic asset for Fresno, but it also needs some renovation and refurbishment," Richert says.
The City of Fresno has already secured a $15.9 million federal grant for the project. The funds can only be used for the first two options that put a street through the mall.
The Council is hearing from the public and will vote on an option during Thursday night's meeting.