The Outlets at Vicksburg is being stripped.

The blue metal awnings that cover the shoppers passing by the stores lined along the sidewalk is being systematically removed by workers for Specialty Services of Hattiesburg. It will soon be replaced by a new shingled awning, which general manager Margaret Gilmer said is part of an estimated $2 million facelift for the outlet mall planned by owner Craig Realty Group that includes new sidewalks, a new facade and larger signs for the mall’s tenants.

The project is expected to take four to six months to complete, weather permitting, she said.

“Right now, we’ve got plastic banners for the stores,” she said. “When the awning is completed, it will leave a higher and larger sign band, which will allow the stores to put up new and larger signs.”

The new signs, she said, will include the store’s trademark or logo, making each unique.

“We will also have new columns (for the awnings) and new sidewalks,” she said, adding that the outlet mall’s concrete sidewalks will be removed and replaced by stone pavers, which will make the sidewalk wider.

“The awnings will meet in the corner at Rocky’s (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory) and Billy’s (Billy’s Italian Restaurant) as a tower,” Gilmer said.

Also planned is a new stucco front and new paint for the buildings.

“We’re getting an updated look, like many of the other Craig centers,” she said. “Most of those were built after we were.”

The Outlets at Vicksburg was built in 1995.

“We’re getting a complete makeover,” Gilmer said. “Once it’s completed, we’ll be ready for another 17 (years).”