COLUMBUS—Most of us have passed by numerous empty storefronts, even empty malls that we used to frequent. 

But Easton Town Center in Northeast Columbus believes it has the answer to get consumers away from their virtual shopping carts, and back inside stores.

It's all about the experience and making it into a community, to bring in millennials and their families. 

• Many major retailers and malls have been closing due to the "retail apocalypse"
• A Northeast Columbus shopping destination is making headway in a major $500 million expansion
• The shopping complex is creating a uninque experience and transforming into a true neighborhood

While it is called Easton Town Center, it's not an actual town, but a shopping destination.

But that town atmosphere is what they're building on. 

"This is a $500 million development. We're going to be building 16 new acres here," said Jen Peterson, chief executive at Easton Town Center.

We're not talking major chains, but rather unique businesses—like a Chicago-based brewery, to an organic restaurant from Arizona— and even a hotel and nightclub.  

"Customers today have so many choices,” said Peterson. “So we are always trying to innovate and evolve and create more experiences for our customers."

That will include a green space called "The Yard" and a park.

With the neighborhood feel will eventually come Easton's first true residents. 

"We've been told from the day we opened that folks would love to live at Easton.  And finally they will have a chance," said Peterson.

750 apartments in total.

“This is our most ambitious project that we have taken on since our Phase 2, which opened in 2001,” said Peterson. “Phase 1 opened in 1999 and we're turning 20 this year.  So this is the perfect time to be saying hey, this is what's next."

Spaces will start opening for the holidays this year, continuing into next year.  

And Easton is continuing to announce some of the retailers that will be calling the expansion home.