LAPORTE – Permits to remodel the vacant Maple Lane Mall in LaPorte have been issued.

Work has begun on space to house Dunham’s Sports and a Family Dollar store. The interior of the mall has been gutted and the work will completely reconfigure the interior.

The only business remaining at the mall is an Al’s Supermarket, which is undergoing an expansion.

Mayor Kathy Chroback said the mall is owned by Pima Properties. She said the city has been working closely with the company in the hope of getting the stores opened by spring.