Four months ago, the owners of Pony Village Mall had high hopes for the North Bend shopping center. It was to be completely remodeled, inside and out, bringing it from a 1970s look into the 21st century.

Earlier this week, with the renovations not all done, Paul and Kathleen Rudder decided to put the Bay Area’s only mall up for sale, citing health problems. They did not disclose what the health problems are.

“When we purchased the mall, we really had no concrete plan for how long we’d hold onto it,” Paul Rudder said Friday. “We expected to be there for years. We had some health issues and that’s really our priority.”

Renovations to the 360,000-square-foot mall began earlier this year, with the addition of a vestibule and an airlock enclosure to the east entrance. At the west entrance, the couple added a handicapped-accessible door and updated the facade with a new paint job. They installed new siding on the exterior of the building. In the parking lot, the Mini Pet Mart and Human Bean coffee stand were added. The Rudders shared the cost of remodeling the new pet store.

Inside, new tables and plants were brought in. Comfortable chairs and sofas replaced old wooden benches. The mall installed Wi-Fi for laptop users. There is new carpeting at entrances and in seating areas.

A major portion of the roof was replaced, Property Manager Barry Hayes said. And more work is on the way.

“We’re also getting ready to do more parking lot sealing and striping,” Hayes said. “That should be done next week.”

Rudder also is following up on his vow to get rid of the blue-colored roof. Any day now painters should be coating it with a dark tan color. But some work will be left for future owners.

“I did not get the store fronts all remodeled,” Rudder said. “We got a great deal done and we’re pleased with what we did do.”

The mall is being offered for sale privately, said Rudder, who chose not to disclose the price. The Rudders still own a 42,000-square-foot mall in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., but he is uncertain of its future because of the economy.

“It is a tourist town down there,” he said. “It is comatose.”

With more free time, the couple plans to continue their involvement in the community.

“Operating the mall is a full-time job,” Rudder said. “Kathleen and I look forward to working with charity organizations. It’s been a fabulous experience for us.”

Rudder said he has received nothing but positive comments from people in the community since they purchased the mall in January 2007. The couple moved from Mammoth Lakes to North Bend in March 2007, and they plan to remain here.

“We love Coos County,” Rudder said. “We’re very attached to the area. We’ve gotten so much appreciation from everybody.

“We’re not going anywhere. We’re not going to own the mall, that’s all.”

Staff Writer Jo Rafferty covers business news for The World. She can be reached by calling 269-1222, ext. 236; or by e-mailing to jrafferty@theworldlink.com.