Well Borders did reuse the Boltman funeral home (or at least the shell of the building) and it was considered a "special" project for Borders (although they had 2-3 other historic reuses in North America).
I don't see why the plant wouldn't work for a big retailer...other than a cost issue. That entire area from Tchoup to the plant would make an excellent retail space (with parking for the suburbanites). Maybe a CB2 and an Apple Store...oh I'm just dreaming...
