EARLY — Early Mayor Bob Mangrum hinted Friday that major changes are on the way for Heartland Mall, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd during his annual State of the City address at Howard Payne University’s Mabee Center.

Mangrum said the property is “getting ready to be transformed,” but stopped short of sharing full details because negotiations are still underway.

He said the project will include a new facade, updated signage, and parking lot improvements, but noted that additional information cannot be released until the deal is finalized.

“We were hoping to have an announcement, but you know lawyers,” Mangrum said. “Probably next week, about this time, we’ll have an announcement about something going on at Heartland Mall. We’ve been working on it a long time.”

A slide shown during the presentation identified the future site as the Heartland Shopping Center.

After the address, Mangrum said the city is waiting until the agreement is complete before making a formal announcement.

“The deal’s coming, but we can’t say anything until we know for a fact it’s a done deal,” he said. “It’s going to involve at least one more business.”

In addition to the mall update, Mangrum highlighted several other projects and developments taking shape in Early.

He said construction is expected to begin in June on a new all-inclusive playground at the north end of the Early Town Center. Information on the city’s website states the playground will be ADA compliant and will include a nearby fitness court designed for parents and park visitors.

Mangrum also outlined several other community improvements and business developments, including:

• $5.3 million in state sidewalk grant funding awarded to the city.
• The grand opening of the Penatukah Comanche Trails on April 24-25 at the town center.
• The Early Blooms Subdivision in the 200 block of Longhorn, which is planned to bring 240 new homes in three phases, with prices starting at $275,000.
• Pioneer Crossing, a 55-and-over housing development between Comanche Road and West Street, expected to include 48 to 64 units.
• Continued upgrades at Early Town Center Park, including completion of the boardwalk.
• Hutch Properties LLC, a mixed-use development planned next to the boardwalk’s main entrance, featuring 14,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
• Twisted Oak Bar and Grill, coming soon to the town center.
• Construction expected to begin this summer on TownPlace by Marriott.
• Parkside at the Boardwalk, with construction expected to start this fall.
• Buffalo’s on the Boardwalk, with construction expected to begin this summer.
• Grumps Burgers, described by Mangrum as a family-friendly burger restaurant, opening in the former Heff’s Burgers location.