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Merle Hay Mall's owner has proposed building a new multipurpose arena instead of renovating the former Younkers store.

The project, which previously involved the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team, is now being pursued solely by the mall's owner.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is re-evaluating the plan to determine if it still qualifies for a $26.5 million state financing package.

Merle Hay Mall's plan for a hockey arena is changing dramatically, with the mall's owner unveiling a proposal to build a new multipurpose arena instead of putting the facility in the shell of the mall's former Younkers store.

Liz Holland, CEO of mall owner Abbell Associates, presented the new proposal at a meeting of the Iowa Economic Development Authority board on Friday, Sept. 1

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