MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) We're getting an idea of what the future of the old Northridge mall site could look like.

The city demolished the blighted, abandoned building in October, with hopes of transforming the centerpiece of the Grandville neighborhood.

With 58 acres of empty space, the site is the largest redevelopment opportunity in the city, and the new year will bring a big step forward.

"We want folks to think big, think big about what can happen here," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson on Thursday, Dec. 18, as the Department of City Development released a vision report for "Granville 2.0," a project to transform the once-thriving space that turned into a nuisance after 20 years of abandonment.

"We were successful in actually being able to get it torn down, and we're very proud about that," Johnson said. "But folks who live there in that area, they endured a lot over the course of the past several decades."

City leaders acknowledge their responsibility to now bring the community back to life.

"We all want something that's going to contribute to the success of the Granville area at large," said Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, who oversees the neighborhood.

The report lays out public input, market options, and economic impact for several ideas.

It recommends one key concept: a strong anchor that will influence more development.

"This needs to be a true community focal point that redefines the identity of the area," said Commissioner LaFayette Crump.

Possibilities include a sports facility, an entertainment complex, a hospital, or major employer.

In the next year, the city will list the space for sale and launch a nationwide recruitment effort.

"We are going to hit the ground running," Crump said.

Big ideas are welcomed, as long as they can re-energize the northwest side.

"What we find out from people about what they're interested in will give us an idea of how quickly we can move things forward," Crump explained.

Community involvement is a crucial part of the plan.

The mayor, alderwoman, and commissioner will be at a public input meeting on Jan. 2 at 7800 Brown Deer Rd.

They want community members to look at the vision report and come ready to share their thoughts.