NORFOLK -- One of the biggest malls in Northeast Nebraska is being put up for an auction next month.

Built in the 1960's, Sunset Plaza Mall blends unique cuisine; Western fashion; and technology stores that bring people from hours away.

"You just can't count on ordering online [...] it's definitely wonderful to have stores to go to," Karen Stromquist, manager, said. 

When Norfolk's mall declared bankruptcy in 2020, hope returned when Brookwood Capital Advisors bought it this summer.

"We bought the mall because we're redevelopers. We don't love doing construction but from a financial perspective we fixed the mall," said Ben Hamd of Brookwood Capital Advisors, founder

Hamd said they extended leases, fixed expenses, and lined up tenants before they'll auction it off on November 15th with a starting price of $1.25 million.

There's a separate acre across the bank also going up for auction, starting at just one dollar.

"The condition of the mall -- it's really rare to see a mall where 80% of the roof is under warranty, parking lot is resurfaced, and tenants are doing well [...]" However, "Educating the local market on what is a fair rate for a shopping center [...] that's a challenge," he said.

He said a local owner would be able to work with tenants better and most importantly, take the risks to invest in it.

The current manager agrees.

"I think having someone from the area knows the importance of keeping it local. I'm from local so I want to see it grow [...] When you can stay local everybody wins it's just a pride in the town," manager Karen Stromquist said.

The mall should return 15% per year.

Target will not be included in the sale.