The ownership of The Citadel mall released a list of safety improvements this week ahead of a community conversation planned about the east-side Colorado Springs shopping center Friday, according to a news release.

The Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board banned all members of the military from going to the mall in July and then lifted the ban in September after a presentation by city leadership and mall ownership. The board — consisting of representatives from Fort Carson, Evans Army Community Hospital, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base and the Air Force Academy — has placed the mall on a three-month probation, a city of Colorado Springs statement said.

Business owners and city leaders worried a ban would hurt the mall, located off the northwest corner of Platte Avenue and Academy Boulevard, which has seen some revitalization efforts in recent years, including the opening of a church and a school. Coperni 3, a charter school that serves about 400 students, opened in 2019. Zeal Church opened earlier this year and draws a congregation of about 1,700 people on a Sunday. The mall is home to other schools and spiritual offerings, including The Catholic Center. Before lifting the ban completely, the board allowed people to go to the mall for educational and religious purposes.

In a statement, Namdar Realty Group said it has worked on several security updates:

• AI surveillance camera test program, including the installation of nine new cameras covering all main entrances and the food court
• Door repairs
• Emergency PA system repair
• Ongoing lighting repairs
• Increase of overall security hours by 53 hours/week, including armed security seven days/week
• Full review of on-site security policy and procedure with various adjustments made to suit the immediate needs better
• Open discussions related to coordinating training activities for local Police/Fire/EMS on-site
• Coordinated public events for community engagement alongside city and other local agencies

The Gazette reported on some of these safety improvements when the ban was lifted. But the ownership did not respond to a request for comment at the time.

The statement from ownership said some additional improvements are planned.

“Namdar Realty Group is dedicated to continually enhancing the security standards at Citadel Mall, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors and tenants,” the statement said.

The city of Colorado Springs is hosting a community conversation from 4-6 p.m. Friday at Zeal Church on the mall’s west side. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The event will focus on safety and ensuring the mall is a welcoming hub.

The event will feature City Councilwoman Nancy Henjum, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, Kevin Chadrjian from Namdar, city officials and Citadel mall tenants.

The Citadel, which opened in 1972, is one of the Springs’ two enclosed regional shopping malls. Like many similar malls nationwide, The Citadel has taken hits over the years as brick-and-mortar retailers, who compete with Amazon and other online marketplaces, have closed, downsized or relocated to new and trendier shopping centers.