(WEST FRANKFORT, IL) — The West Frankfort City Council made it official last night as council members voted to buy the West Frankfort Outlet Mall and surrounding property for $1.8 million. The city in August voted to buy the property from owners Desantis Properties of California and had a 60 day due diligence period before a final decision was made. The Southern Illinoisan says the property had been appraised at $1.25 million. City leaders say some electrical and air conditioning work will have to be done to the mall which was built in 1990, and the parking lot will have to be resurfaced. The city is hoping that the purchase of the mall will bring in new business to the mall area and retain the businesses that call it home.