Staunton Mall

Last updated

Staunton Mall
Staunton mall corridor.jpg
An interior corridor of Staunton Mall in 2011.
Staunton Mall
Location Staunton, Virginia
Address90 Lee Jackson Highway
Opening date1968
Closing date2021
DeveloperRosenfeld Realty
OwnerStaunton EM 2 LLC [1]
No. of anchor tenants 6 (1 open, 5 vacant)
Total retail floor area 422,000 square feet [2]
No. of floors1
Website http://www.staunton-mall.com (defunct)

Staunton Mall was a shopping mall in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. It was slightly outside the city limits of Staunton, Virginia. Opened in 1968 as Staunton Plaza, it originally featured J. C. Penney, Montgomery Ward, Woolworth, and Safeway as its major stores. An expansion plan between 1985 and 1987 enclosed the formerly open-air property while adding Leggett (now Belk) as a third department store and renaming the property to Staunton Mall. The mall underwent a number of anchor store changes throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s: Safeway became an outlet store for Sears, then Goody's and Gold's Gym, while Woolworth was converted to Stone & Thomas and then to Peebles, and Montgomery Ward became Steve & Barry's. The mall lost many inline stores throughout the 21st century, and passed through several owners before closing on January 1, 2021.

Contents

History

Construction of Staunton Plaza began in 1966. The first tenant to open was a Montgomery Ward department store, which opened for business in September 1968, followed by a Safeway supermarket one month later. [3] Other major tenants of the original center included J. C. Penney, Woolworth, and Peoples Drug. [4] The mall, developed by Rosenfeld Realty, consisted of an open-air concourse connecting the J. C. Penney and Montgomery Ward stores, with approximately 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) of mall shop space and parking for about 2,000 cars. [5] J. C. Penney opened for business in April 1969, following a fire at their previous location in Staunton three months prior. The Staunton Plaza location was the chain's 21st in the state of Virginia. [6]

Safeway closed both its Staunton Plaza store, and a second in nearby Waynesboro, Virginia, in late 1982 after members of the United Food and Commercial Workers entered a labor dispute with the chain, combined with increased competition from another non-union supermarket that had locations in both towns. [7] In 1984, their space at the mall was sold to Sears, which operated it as an outlet store specializing in overstocked merchandise from other Sears stores and catalog merchants. [8]

As Staunton Mall

Covington Co., which owned the plaza at the time, announced renovation plans in 1986. Under these plans, the existing open-air concourse between J. C. Penney and Montgomery Ward would be enclosed, while further mall shops would be added for a total of 70 stores in 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2) of retail space. [9] Included in the expansion was a third department store anchor, the South Boston, Virginia-based Leggett, which opened for business in February 1987. Leggett had operated a store in Staunton since the 1930s. [10] Once renovations were complete, the property was officially renamed Staunton Mall.

Despite these renovations, two major stores at the mall closed soon afterward. First was the Sears outlet store, which was shuttered in 1989 due to declining sales. [11] The space became a Goody's clothing store in October 1993. [12] Also in October 1993, the Woolworth company announced that the Staunton Mall store would be closed by January 1994 as part of a company-wide restructuring that involved renovation or closure of older stores. [13]

In 1996, Staunton Mall underwent a renovation plan by then-owners Steven D. Bell and Co. Under these plans, the food court was moved closer to the theater, with the previous one, added in the 1986-87 renovations, becoming additional mall space. Also, a fountain was removed in center court, the mall exterior was repainted and received new canopies, and Stone & Thomas opened in the vacated Woolworth. [14]

The mall was purchased by Colonial Properties Trust in 1998 and renamed Colonial Mall Staunton, just as the Stone & Thomas store was closed and sold to Peebles, [15] and the Leggett store was renamed Belk. Following Colonial Properties Trust's purchase of the mall, the Montgomery Ward anchor was vacated in early 2001 as that chain went out of business. Colonial Properties underwent negotiations with several chains to replace the vacated anchor, including Target, Sears, and Old Navy. [16] This space became Steve & Barry's in 2004. [17] Gold's Gym joined the mall in 2006, replacing the Goody's store after that chain decided not to renew its lease. [18]

The mall was sold again in 2007 to First Republic Group Realty, which returned the mall's name to Staunton Mall. Under their ownership, the Steve & Barry's store vacated, while Books-A-Million moved to a larger store in Waynesboro. After First Republic filed for bankruptcy in 2009, it was sold again to the Kohan Retail Investment Group and in 2014 to Staunton Mall LLC. [19] [20] Another anchor store in the mall became vacant when Peebles closed in March 2018. [21] The mall was sold again in 2020, with it being announced on November 24, 2020, that all remaining tenants (except Belk) will vacate the property in thirty days. [22]

On June 4, 2020, JCPenney announced that it would be closing by around October 2020 as part of a plan to close 154 stores nationwide. [23] By 2021, Belk was the only remaining store and plans for demolition were announced by the mall's then-owners. [24]

In March 2022, demolition process began with the J. C. Penney anchor store torn down. [25] As of February 2023, the entire mall (with the exception of Belk and the surrounding stores) is partially demolished. [26]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riverchase Galleria</span> Shopping mall in Hoover, Alabama

Riverchase Galleria, locally known as The Galleria, is a large, super–regional shopping mall and mixed use development in Hoover, Alabama, in the Greater Birmingham metropolitan area. It is ranked 43rd on the list of largest shopping malls in the United States. It is the largest enclosed shopping center in Alabama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valley Mall (Virginia)</span> Shopping mall in Virginia, U.S.

Valley Mall is a shopping mall in Harrisonburg, Virginia, owned by Macerich and serving the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia. It currently features more than 50 stores, with JCPenney, Belk, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Target serving as anchor stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holly Hill Mall and Business Center</span> Shopping mall in North Carolina, United States

Holly Hill Mall and Business Center is an enclosed shopping mall located in Burlington, North Carolina, United States. The mall's anchor stores are Dunham's Sports, and Dave's Furniture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Springdale Mall</span> Shopping mall in Mobile, Alabama

Springdale Mall is a shopping center located in Mobile, Alabama, United States, directly across from Bel Air Mall. Opened in 1959 as an open-air shopping center, Springdale Mall was later redeveloped as an enclosed shopping center. Facing competition from larger shopping centers in the area, Springdale was demolished in stages in the 2000s, with most of the former enclosed mall being replaced with big-box stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TownMall of Westminster</span> Shopping mall

TownMall of Westminster, formerly Cranberry Mall, is a shopping mall located in Westminster, Maryland, United States on Maryland Route 140, 30 miles northwest of Baltimore. Owned by Westminster Mall LLC, and managed by The Woodmont Company. The mall features more than 20 stores, including a food court and Movie Theater. Belk, Boscov's, Dick's Sporting Goods, and RC Theaters are the mall's anchors. It's the only enclosed regional shopping center in Carroll County. The mall has recently been wired for fiber internet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Mall at Johnson City</span> Shopping mall in Tennessee, United States

The Mall at Johnson City is an enclosed shopping mall in Johnson City, Tennessee, United States. The mall features over 90 stores and a food court. It is managed by Washington Prime Group. Opened in 1971, the mall features Dick's Sporting Goods, HomeGoods, Belk, and JCPenney as anchor stores, with more than 90 inline tenants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haywood Mall</span> Shopping mall in South Carolina, United States

Haywood Mall is a shopping mall in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. The mall is the largest in the state, with 1,237,411 square feet (114,959.2 m2) of retail space. The super-regional mall opened in 1980 at the intersection of Haywood Road and I-385/Golden Strip Freeway. Haywood's anchor stores are Belk, Dillard's, J. C. Penney, and Macy's, with one vacant anchor last occupied by Sears.

Charlottesville Fashion Square is a shopping mall in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. It is anchored by two Belk stores. It is a regional mall located about one mile (1.6 km) north of the Charlottesville city limits on U.S. Route 29 in unincorporated Albemarle County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Port Charlotte Town Center</span> Mall in Port Charlotte, Florida, US

The Port Charlotte Town Center is a mall in Port Charlotte, Florida. The mall serves Port Charlotte and the neighboring communities of North Port, Englewood, and Punta Gorda. The anchor stores are Recreational Warehouse, Regal Cinemas, Bealls, Dillard's, and JCPenney. There are 2 vacant anchor stores that were once Sears and Macy's. All anchors have one floor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regency Square Mall (Jacksonville)</span> Shopping mall in Florida, United States

Regency Square Mall is an enclosed shopping mall in the Arlington area of Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Opened in 1967 and once one of the most successful malls in the country, the mall now features around 20 stores, including one anchor store, Dillard's Clearance Center, Impact Church, and a food court. It is owned by Namdar Realty Group and Mason Asset Management.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spotsylvania Towne Centre</span> Shopping mall in Virginia, United States

The Spotsylvania Towne Centre is a mall located in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, on Virginia State Route 3, less than a mile west of Interstate 95, and directly across from the Central Park shopping and dining complex. The mall is owned and developed by Cafaro Company. The property was renamed as "Spotsylvania Towne Centre" at the beginning of a $12 million renovation project. The project, completed in 2009, included an extensive remodeling of the mall's interior and exterior. At the same time, construction was begun on an outdoor lifestyle center called "The Village." The mall's anchor stores are Guitar Center, Dick's Sporting Goods, Belk, Costco, JCPenney, and Macy's. There is 1 vacant anchor that was once Sears. The Splitsville Bowling Alley is connected to a movie theater. The mall also houses over 150 specialty stores and restaurants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock Hill Galleria</span> Shopping mall in South Carolina, United States

Rock Hill Galleria is an enclosed regional shopping mall for York, Chester, and Lancaster Counties. It is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Opened in 1991, the mall features three anchors and around 70 specialty shops there are only 29 stores inside the mall currently and most stores have been closed down since there is hardly any business inside this mall or the stores that closed down have gone out of business. The mall is currently managed by Warren Norman Company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Circle Mall</span> Shopping mall in Virginia, United States

Military Circle Mall, known as The Gallery at Military Circle Mall from 2002 to 2015, is a soon to be demolished abandoned enclosed shopping mall shopping mall in Norfolk, Virginia. The mall opened in 1970. In October 2016 the Virginia Beach City Council rejected plans for an oceanfront arena. This vote triggered discussions for the Military Circle area to include the construction of a 20,000 seat multi purpose arena. However, rising city debt and other priorities appear to negate any near-term plans for a new arena to the area. The anchor stores are Ross Dress for Less, Optima Health, and Movement Mortgage. There are 3 vacant anchor stores that were once Cinemark, Sears, and Macy's. The mall permanently closed to the public on January 31, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francis Scott Key Mall</span> Shopping mall in Maryland, United States

Francis Scott Key Mall is an enclosed shopping mall in Frederick, Maryland, United States. Opened in 1978, it is anchored by JCPenney, Macy's, Value City Furniture, DSW, Ethan Allen, Barnes & Noble, and Dick's Sporting Goods. Previously, the mall housed a Sears department store that closed in 2023.

Gulf View Square Mall is an enclosed mall in Port Richey, Florida. Opened in 1980, it is anchored by Best Buy & Dillard's Clearance Store and is owned by Namdar Realty Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asheboro Mall</span> Shopping mall in North Carolina, United States

The Asheboro Mall is an enclosed shopping mall in Asheboro, North Carolina. It features Dunham's Sports and Belk as its anchor stores. It is managed by Hull Property Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercer Mall</span> Shopping mall in Bluefield, West Virginia

Mercer Mall is a shopping mall serving Bluefield, West Virginia. Opened in 1980, the mall features J. C. Penney, Belk, Roses, Rural King, and Hobby Lobby, plus 70 other stores. It is managed by Ershig Properties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uptown Christiansburg</span> Shopping mall in Virginia, United States

Uptown Christiansburg is an enclosed shopping mall in Christiansburg, Virginia, United States. Opened in 1988, it features Kohl's, Belk, Homegoods, and Dick's Sporting Goods as its major anchor stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Signal Hill Mall</span> Shopping mall in North Carolina, United States

Signal Hill Mall is a regional enclosed shopping mall located in Statesville, North Carolina, United States. Opened in 1973, it originally featured more than 40 stores, with Woolworth, Belk, and Spainhour's as its original anchor stores. An expansion in 1979 relocated Spainhour's while also adding JCPenney. Spainhour's and Woolworth both closed in the mid-1990s, with Peebles and Hills respectively taking their places; Hills in turn was replaced by Sears soon after. The mall experienced a great deal of decline in the 2010s, losing most of its major stores throughout the decade and receiving significant attention as an example of a dead mall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colonial Plaza</span> Shopping mall in Florida, U.S.

Colonial Plaza is a shopping mall in Orlando, Florida, United States. Opened in 1956, it was the largest retail development in the state of Florida at the time of its construction. The original complex included two supermarkets and two variety stores, plus a Belk department store. It underwent multiple expansions in its history, the first of which added a Jordan Marsh department store and an enclosed mall concourse. Further expansion in 1973 added a second enclosed wing and a relocation of Belk, while Ivey's was added in 1983 and sold to Dillard's in 1990.

References

  1. ↑ Hood, John (December 3, 2020). "Staunton Mall to be demolished, repurposed for mixed-use development". WHSV. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Colonial Properties Trust Retail Portfolio Reaches 10 Million Square Feet - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  3. ↑ "First Staunton Plaza shopping center store to open Sept. 18". The News Leader. August 12, 1968. pp. A1. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  4. ↑ Chain Store Age, Executives Edition Combined with Shopping Center Age. Lebhar-Friedman. 1968. ISSN   0885-1425 . Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Wednesday opening scheduled for first Staunton Plaza store". The News Leader. September 12, 1968. pp. 1, 2. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  6. ↑ "J. C. Penney opens complete line store". The News Leader. April 23, 1969. p. 21. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  7. ↑ "Waynesboro's Safeway to close". The News Leader. October 24, 1982. pp. A2. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Sears to open surplus store in Staunton". The News Leader. August 26, 1983. pp. 1, 2. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  9. ↑ "Staunton Mall to offer climate-controlled shopping, 70 stores". The News Leader. July 23, 1986. pp. A3. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Leggett holds grand opening at new store in Staunton Mall". The News Leader. February 26, 1987. pp. A3. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Sears outlet store closing". The News Leader. May 25, 1989. pp. A1. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Goody's to open Thursday". The News Leader. October 10, 1993. pp. D1. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Mall Woolworth to close". The News Leader. October 15, 1993. pp. A1, A2. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Staunton Mall getting new anchor store". The News Leader. July 26, 1996. pp. A1. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  15. ↑ David Nivens (October 29, 1998). "Staunton Mall changes name". The News Leader. pp. A3. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  16. ↑ Brad Zinn (May 11, 2001). "Mall courts stores for empty position". The News Leader. pp. A1, A10. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  17. ↑ Bonnie Naumann (July 1, 2004). "Steve & Barry's sportswear coming to mall". The News Leader. pp. A1. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  18. ↑ David Royer (April 5, 2006). "Fitness center muscles into Colonial Mall". The News Leader. pp. A1. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  19. ↑ "Local News | The News Leader | newsleader.com". newsleader.com. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  20. ↑ Gatto, Meg (July 26, 2007). "New Name for Colonial Mall". WHSV-TV. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2007.
  21. ↑ "Peebles in Staunton Mall closes, opening space for new businesses". WHSV-3. March 7, 2018. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  22. ↑ Peters, Laura. "Staunton Mall rumored to be sold, tenants told to vacate". The News Leader.
  23. ↑ "JCPenney Store Closings – JCPenney Company Blog". companyblog.jcpnewsroom.com. June 4, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  24. ↑ Peters, Laura. "Portion of Staunton Mall rezoned for multifamily use, apartments could be coming". The News Leader. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  25. ↑ Peters, Laura. "Staunton Mall demolition: Week three of tearing down J.C. Penney's". The News Leader. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  26. ↑ Ganesh, Akhil. "Staunton Mall demolition work still ongoing, no timeline for development work". The News Leader. Retrieved August 4, 2023.

38°7′26.5″N79°3′47.6″W / 38.124028°N 79.063222°W / 38.124028; -79.063222

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.