The Streets at SouthGlenn
The Streets at SouthGlenn, located in Centennial, CO, is a mixed-use development that offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and residential spaces. It stands on the site of the old Southglenn Mall, a mid-sized shopping center that originally opened its doors in 1974.
However, as new retail developments like Park Meadows opened nearby in the 1990s, Southglenn Mall began to decline. To adapt to changing shopping trends, the mall was closed in 2006 for a complete overhaul.
By August 2009, The Streets at SouthGlenn opened with a fresh design that brought together shops, restaurants, office spaces, and even residential units—all with a focus on community and experience.
Today, this site remains a popular spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with stores like Macy’s (until its closure in 2022), Whole Foods, and Regal Cinemas attracting visitors.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Streets at SouthGlenn is one of the things to do in Centennial, Colorado.
The Origins and Evolution of Southglenn Mall
Southglenn Mall first opened its doors in 1974, standing as a major shopping destination in Centennial, Colorado.
Developed by Jordan Perlmutter & Co., the same company behind Northglenn Mall and Southwest Plaza, Southglenn was one of several retail centers that catered to the growing suburban population around Denver.
The mall launched with a $40 million price tag and three major anchor stores: Sears, The Denver (also known as Denver Dry Goods), and May D&F. These department stores were some of the biggest names in retail at the time, and their presence drew a steady stream of customers.
In 1987, May Department Stores acquired The Denver’s parent company, Associated Dry Goods. While May D&F stayed at Southglenn, The Denver’s building was sold to JCPenney, which moved in the following year.
As part of this transition, Southglenn underwent its first renovation in 1988, which included asbestos abatement—an essential update for health and safety.
Retail competition began to intensify during the 1990s. The debut of Park Meadows Mall in 1996 marked a turning point for Southglenn. With anchors like Dillard’s, Foley’s, and Nordstrom, Park Meadows quickly became a popular shopping destination.
This caused a downturn in sales at Southglenn, setting the stage for its eventual decline and closure. Despite a few interior updates in the early 2000s, including redesigned ceilings and new tiles, it was clear the mall needed more than cosmetic changes to stay competitive.
The Decline of Southglenn Mall and the Need for Redevelopment
In 1999, the mall was sold to Walton Street Capital, a Chicago-based real estate firm. At the time, many of its anchor stores were shifting focus.
JCPenney, for example, converted its store at Southglenn into a JCPenney Home Store after opening a full-service location at Park Meadows.
In 2002, JCPenney Home Store closed its doors, leaving another vacant anchor space. Recognizing the need for a complete overhaul, the City of Centennial partnered with Alberta Development Partners in 2005 to announce plans for a major redevelopment.
The goal was to transform the struggling mall into a vibrant, mixed-use center that would offer a mix of retail, dining, office, and residential spaces.
Southglenn Mall officially closed in 2006, with most tenants vacating the property by early February of that year. However, both Macy’s and Sears remained open to maintain their operations during the transition.
Ground was broken on the redevelopment project in June 2006, setting the stage for what would become The Streets at SouthGlenn.
This redevelopment aimed to reimagine the space for modern shoppers and residents, combining entertainment, shopping, and living spaces in a way that reflected the changing needs of the community.
Notable Tenants and Entertainment Offerings
By the summer of 2009, The Streets at SouthGlenn was ready to welcome its first visitors. Best Buy was one of the first major tenants to open its doors on July 17, 2008, followed by a full opening of the center on August 28, 2009.
The redevelopment brought in a mix of both national chains and local businesses, giving it a unique character. Major anchors at the time included Macy’s Home Store, Staples, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a 14-screen Hollywood Theaters, which Regal Cinemas now operate.
The Streets at SouthGlenn quickly became a go-to spot for both shopping and entertainment. The mix of stores was carefully curated to offer something for everyone, whether visitors were looking for high-end brands or everyday essentials.
In addition to Macy’s and Staples, the development featured specialty stores like Whole Foods Market, which became a key anchor for the center’s focus on lifestyle shopping. This made it an attractive destination for locals seeking fresh and organic groceries, contributing to the community feel.
Entertainment also played a big role in The Streets at SouthGlenn. The 14-screen cinema brought in moviegoers, turning the center into a place where people could spend an entire day.
Whether they were shopping, catching a film, or dining at one of the many restaurants, there was always something to do.
The addition of outdoor dining spaces and plazas encouraged visitors to stay longer, creating a lively atmosphere, especially in the warmer months.
Recent Challenges and Developments
One of the biggest changes came in October 2018, when Sears closed its doors as part of the company’s nationwide downsizing.
This was a blow to the development, as Sears had been one of the original tenants since the Southglenn Mall days. However, this wasn’t the only challenge.
In January 2022, Macy’s—the last remaining store from the old mall—announced it would also close as part of a larger company strategy to shutter underperforming locations. With Macy’s departure, The Streets at SouthGlenn lost one of its key anchor tenants, leaving a large vacancy in the retail mix.
In October 2024, the City of Centennial received a Development Pre-Submittal Application for a new residential project on the site previously occupied by Sears, located at the southern end of The Streets at SouthGlenn.
By expanding housing options, The Streets at SouthGlenn aims to blend commercial activity with residential living, creating a more integrated urban environment.
The project is still in its early stages, but community members are encouraged to engage with the planning process. The city has made project details available through the “Have Your Say” webpage, where residents can provide feedback and stay informed on the development as it progresses.
This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to involving the community in decisions that shape the future of this vital area.
