I lived in Fayetteville during the pre-renovation and after the mall was completed. You are exactly right about similar feel that the pre-renovation NWA mall has with McCain. Now in my opinon NWA Mall looks great. Honestly I feel like Lakewood Village has a more updated feel than McCain mall, being that it is sort of an outdoor lifestyle center before its time.
The amount of money Simon spends on McCain is dramatically different than it was say, 15 years ago. I am sure some remember the fountains in here, the awesome christmas set up with trains, etc etc.
I think Simon was really banking on the Summit Mall so they could do what was mentioned earlier, profit off of a new mall instead of updating their other malls. It just doesnt seem they have any intrest in updating what they have. I think the NWA Mall renovation happened with the Macerich Company took over. I wonder if they would want to buy McCain?? Someone make some calls...