Major improvements are coming to Bonita Lakes Mall, according to its new owner. 

Luxury recliners in the movie theaters, a national sporting goods store, creative use of space and better branding are part of the vision new owners RockStep Capital have for Bonita Lakes Mall and Bonita Lakes Crossing.

Andy Weiner, president of Houston-based RockStep Capital, presented plans for the properties to members of the Meridian business community Wednesday morning in a Business Before Hours session at MSU Riley Center.

RockStep, which owns six million feet of shopping space in nine states, announced in May its purchase of the Bonita Lakes Mall, Bonita Lakes Crossing and seven other properties along Bonita Lakes Boulevard.

Weiner told the group that RockStep was actively recruiting new tenants along with working on stabilizing the anchor stores and looking for backup plans should any of those anchors leave the mall.

He cited the troubled department store sector — chains such as Sears and JC Penney that are working through problems nationally — as one of the mall operators biggest challenges.

Among Weiner’s bullet points for the future, he noted the addition of a gourmet ice cream shop in the food court, an opportunity for a casual restaurant at the mall, the potential for carving up the former Steve & Barry’s retail site that could be used for medical offices, an indoor sports facility or college classes.

Common areas could also be more actively used by non-profit community groups such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, he said.

Weiner said he would also like to see the movie theater upgraded as has been done in other cities, reducing the seating but replacing hard backs with luxury recliners for a better movie-going experience. Attendance has doubled elsewhere when the experience has been improved, Weiner said.

His other points included:

—Improved security, including returning a police substation near the theaters.

—Improving the signage along Route 20 and Route 19 to attract both retailers and customers.

—The need for one or more national athletic goods retailers.

The signage was specifically emphasized as critical to attracting new tenants.

Answering questions about specific chains that could locate in Meridian, without commitment, he noted potential for stores such as Target, Panera Bread and Starbucks.

Weiner cited support of community leaders, lenders and investors in reaffirming RockStep’s decision to purchase the properties, and he noted the vibrancy of downtown Meridian to the success of the mall.

He cautioned, however, that improvements will take time and expectations should be tempered.

“Keep expectations real,” Weiner said. This won’t be a glamour location. “But we will get our share of middle America tenants.”