COLUMBUS, Ohio - The once-premier mall in Columbus is now at the center of a legal battle.

City officials announced on Tuesday that a breach of contract lawsuit was filed against the company that manages Columbus City Center, 10TV's Tanisha Mallet reported.

SLIDESHOW: Images Of Columbus City Center

The city claims TL-Columbus, an entity of the Simon Property Group, failed to make a July rent payment in excess of $200,000.

"They failed to pay us rent," said City of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman. "That gives us the chance to come in and take control. This owner has allowed it to turn into what it is today. It is basically a vacant structure."

The city served notice to terminate the lease with TL-Columbus, and is considering future moves to redevelop the property.

Coleman said the first plan was take control of the property.

"There are two things we have to do," Coleman said. "One is to control it. That's why we're attempting to evict the current operator. And then, number two is to get it redeveloped."

While Coleman said the city doesn't know what exactly will be done with the property, he said at least one real estate firm would be consulted to help make potential plans.

"I have many, many ideas," he said. "I want to see some retail back in it, offices as well. We have thousands of people moving downtown and there's a great need for retail activity.Our downtown is on the move. This is the only thing holding us back."

City Center was built in 1989 and quickly became a major draw among central Ohio shoppers. Now more than 50 percent of the mall sits empty, 10TV news reported.

Stores that left the building include Kaufman's, Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works.

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