Escalators Stand Still
Some of America’s malls, once-crowded social hubs and shopping destinations, now struggle to survive. Few reinvent themselves altogether, while others slowly fade away as they become victims of changing consumer habits. But why?
Regency Square Mall (Jacksonville, Florida)
Empty storefronts bring back memories of the busy shoppers who once filled Jacksonville's top shopping spot. Since opening in 1967, during the suburban boom in the US, Regency Square Mall has seen many changes in retail. Now, it’s just a shadow of what it used to be.
Regency Square Mall: From Highly Successful to Largely Abandoned by Bryan Lankston
Regency Square Mall (Jacksonville, Florida) (Cont.)
The loss of anchor stores has set off a chain reaction that’s hurt the mall scene. Sears, JCPenney, and Belk have all closed up shop, leaving behind big empty spaces that smaller shops used to rely on for foot traffic.
The Dead Regency Square Mall - I Was Shocked! - So Much Mold and Water Damage by Mall Tours
Regency Square Mall (Jacksonville, Florida) (Cont.)
Plus, new open-air shopping centers like the St. Johns Town Center are drawing away both shoppers and retailers. As a result, Regency Square is struggling with less than 50% occupancy. Some businesses are still hanging in there and keeping their doors open.
The Dead Regency Square Mall - I Was Shocked! - So Much Mold and Water Damage by Mall Tours
Gwinnett Place Mall (Duluth, Georgia)
If you’ve watched Stranger Things, you might recognize Gwinnett Place Mall’s 1980s vibe as the fictional "Starcourt Mall". But in reality, this place is struggling big time. It opened in 1984, back when suburban Atlanta was booming, but now it’s mostly empty.
Thomson200, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Gwinnett Place Mall (Duluth, Georgia) (Cont.)
The mall's severe decline began in the early 2000s and began accelerating as anchor stores departed and national retailers closed their locations. The government of Gwinnett County purchased the struggling property in 2021 for $23 million after it recognized its challenges and potential.
MikeKalasnik, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Great Northern Mall (North Olmsted, Ohio)
The big financial mess that’s wiped out hundreds of malls across America is now putting Great Northern Mall at risk. Sadly, bankruptcy issues loom over its future. When this center opened in 1965, it was a big deal, located just a quick drive from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Great Northern Mall - North Olmsted, Ohio by Slacking Packing
Great Northern Mall (North Olmsted, Ohio) (Cont.)
Lately, however, multiple anchor stores have left, with Sears and Macy's shutting their doors. The mall's ownership issues have only made things worse—financial troubles led to bankruptcy protection filings, creating a lot of uncertainty for the stores still hanging on.
Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted, Ohio. Malls in 2024 by J5 Studios
Burnsville Center (Burnsville, Minnesota)
Burnsville Center opened in 1977 as one of the larger enclosed malls in Minnesota, featuring 100 stores across three floors and approximately 1,100,000 square feet of retail space. Initial anchor stores included Sears, Dayton's, and Powers Dry Goods (which changed names several times).
Dead Malls Season 5 Episode 23 - Burnsville Center by NorthCdogg22
Burnsville Center (Burnsville, Minnesota) (Cont.)
In September 2023, Pacific Square and Wyn Group purchased the mall, excluding the anchor stores, and have been implementing redevelopment plans. As part of the Pacifica of Burnsville project, it has attracted new tenants, including Enson Market and Ate Ate Ate, a food hall.
Southridge Mall (Greendale, Wisconsin)
The Village of Greendale has been nervously watching as its main shopping spot struggles to keep its head above water in today’s tough market. The mall is taken care of by Simon Property Group, which has implemented renovations to maintain its appeal.
Southridge Mall, Greendale - February 2023 by Memories by Wayne
Southridge Mall (Greendale, Wisconsin) (Cont.)
Well, recently, big-name stores like Boston Store and Sears have shut down. Southridge Mall started in 1970 as the southern counterpart to Northridge Mall, both developed by Herb Kohl and Taubman Centers, Inc. The original anchors included Gimbels, Boston Store, JCPenney, Sears, and FW Woolworth.
Southridge Mall, Greendale - February 2023 by Memories by Wayne
Northgate Mall (Seattle, Washington)
This place opened on April 21, 1950, at the Bon Marche store, which anchored the mall for decades. Designed by John Graham Jr., the mall was developed by Rex Allison and Ben B. Ehrlichman on a 62-acre site north of Seattle's city limits.
🇺🇸 EMPTY MALL; The Down side of Northgate Mall in Northern Seattle, WA by SEATTLE 4K Walking
Northgate Mall (Seattle, Washington) (Cont.)
It was the first shopping center to feature a wide, vehicle-free walkway, known as the "mall" or “plaza”. Despite its historical significance, Northgate Mall has faced issues such as declining foot traffic and store closures, leading to concerns about its future viability.
🇺🇸 EMPTY MALL; The Down side of Northgate Mall in Northern Seattle, WA by SEATTLE 4K Walking
Northgate Mall (Seattle, Washington) (Cont.)
In 2006, Simon Properties had expanded Northgate Mall, in part because of the town’s plan for revitalizing the Northgate neighborhood. The area is now under significant redevelopment, with plans to turn it into a mixed-use community. This will include residential units, office spaces, and retail.
Northgate Mall - Seattle, WA. Final Walk Through - August 20, 2019 by Greg J. Green
Phillipsburg Mall (Phillipsburg, New Jersey)
The interior corridors of Phillipsburg Mall now stand eerily silent, though technically, the property remains partially operational. It had opened on September 24, 1989, with anchor stores Kmart, Hess's, and Sears. Hess's was the first and only location in New Jersey.
Phillipsburg Mall - Raw & Real Retail by Raw & Real Retail
Phillipsburg Mall (Phillipsburg, New Jersey) (Cont.)
JCPenney joined in 1990, and Kmart closed in 2002, with Kohl's taking its place in 2004. Ultimately, JCPenney closed in 2014. By 2019, most of the stores had closed, and the mall was largely vacant. The mall was demolished in 2021 to make way for a proposed warehouse development.
Phillipsburg Mall - Raw & Real Retail by Raw & Real Retail
Southlake Mall (Morrow, Georgia)
Since 1976, this retail destination has served Clayton County shoppers, evolving through various renovations and ownership changes. Over the years, the mall underwent renovations, including a major update in 1999 that relocated the food court and added a carousel.
LIVE 4K Exploring MORROW, GA - ATLANTA | SOUTHLAKE MALL & More, Bad Signal in Area by DreamMachine
Southlake Mall (Morrow, Georgia) (Cont.)
Davison's was rebranded as Macy's in 1986, and Rich's became Rich's-Macy's before fully transitioning to Macy's in 2005. The current owner, Kohan Retail Investment Group, has developed a reputation for acquiring distressed shopping centers, but numerous properties in their portfolio have faced foreclosure and utility shutoffs.
Southlake Mall by David Tillery
Fashion Valley Mall (San Diego, California)
On October 12, 1969, Fashion Valley debuted, with its first anchor stores being The Broadway, Buffum's, and J.W. Robinson's. At a $50 million cost, Ernest W. Hahn developed it. The mall underwent its first major renovation in 1981, adding Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.
Coolcaesar, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fashion Valley Mall (San Diego, California) (Cont.)
Fashion Valley perseveres despite obstacles like diminishing foot traffic and the influence of internet shopping. However, major changes will occur when JCPenney closes in the fall of 2025. This will lead to the construction of around 850 luxury residences on the site, turning the mall into a mixed-use center.
Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Southdale Center, Edina, Minnesota
Located in Edina, Minnesota, this hotspot was recognized as the first totally enclosed shopping mall in America. It opened on October 8, 1956, and was structured by Austrian-born architect Victor Gruen. As per reports, the mall was built at a cost of around $20 million.
Let's explore Southdale Center, Edina MN by Explore With Ngepu
Southdale Center, Edina, Minnesota (Cont.)
Even though Southdale is a historical landmark, it is currently dealing with serious problems. Its customers have decreased due to its high vacancy rates and the exit of important retailers. The mall is undergoing redevelopment efforts to adapt to the evolving retail scenario.
Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Richmond Town Square (Richmond Heights, Ohio)
In the Cleveland suburb of Richmond Heights, Ohio, Richmond Town Square was a super-regional shopping center that opened in September 1966. In the beginning, it was referred to locally as “Richmond Mall”. Unfortunately, it no longer works as a mall.
DEAD MALL: Richmond Town Square - Richmond Heights, OH by WallieB26
Richmond Town Square (Richmond Heights, Ohio) (Cont.)
The site is being redeveloped into a mixed-use project called Bell Oaks Marketplace, which will include luxury apartments, retail spaces, and a grocery store. The project is valued at around $300 million and is expected to be completed by April 2027.
DEAD MALL: Richmond Town Square - Richmond Heights, OH by WallieB26
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