Madison Marquette, owner of Chapel Hill's University Mall, has announced plans to renovate sections of the mall's exterior beginning in early 2010 and bring in eight new retail businesses before the holiday season.

Renovations will include a reconfigured south entrance with new glass, a sculptural pendant light fixture and LED lighting. The existing canopy over the northwest entry near Dillard's will be replaced with a lighter and more open structure, and the Roses façade will be modified slightly by painting the existing stucco panels with a contrasting paint color. New service gates will be installed on the north side of the mall.

The new retailers include local apparel, gift and home décor and furnishings businesses.

The new merchants include:

Night Gallery, featuring vintage furnishings and garden antiques with luxury intimates and an exclusive line of women's apparel.

The Virginia Gail Collection, a retail store and design studio with an emphasis on luxury bed linens, throws, designer lighting, furniture, artwork and related offerings.

The North Carolina Hammock Company, a purveyor of high quality hammocks, swings and rockerswaul.

Izabelle's Closet, a women's casual and resort wear concept based in Cape Hatteras.

Southern Charm, an arts and crafts concept organized as a co-op by over 30 local artisans.

The Manana, a kiosk featuring the work of artisans and craftspeople from the United State and around the world.

Day-by-Day Calendar, a kiosk that offers calendars for 2010.

Soft & Sleepy Sheets, a kiosk offering high quality bed linens.