Akron’s Rolling Acres Mall One Step Closer to Redevelopment
The 1.3 million-square-foot retail center, which closed in 2008, could be demolished by mid-fall.
By Bogdan Odagescu, Associate Editor
The former Rolling Acres Mall in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Ohio—The Akron City Council recently approved a plan to seek bids to demolish the dilapidated Rolling Acres Mall, the Akron Beacon Journal reports. The city allocated $450,000 for the demolition, which could be completed within the next three months.
Originally developed by Forest City Enterprises, the 1.3 million-square-foot mall opened in August 1975 and officially closed in 2008, with the last retailer leaving late-2013. Last month, after several failed public auctions, the city of Akron became owner of the interior of the mall, now owning approximately 277,000 square feet of building and 54 acres of land. Five adjacent buildings, all former department stores, belong to private owners, including JCPenney.
Several ideas for the future of the site have been discussed, but officials have not yet announced a timeline and exact destination of the large lot. Proposed projects include retail, housing and a youth sports complex. Late-June, the local publication also reported that a group of investors from China have expressed their interest in the site, which could be developed into a light manufacturing hub.
Image via Google Maps
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