The Genesis of Coral Ridge Mall
In the mid-1990s, retail developers saw Coralville, Iowa, as a prime spot for a new shopping hub. General Growth Properties, a major player in the mall industry at the time, led the project.
With Iowa City right next door and Interstate 80 providing easy access, the location made sense. Developers aimed to create a super-regional mall that would draw shoppers from across eastern Iowa.
Local business owners, however, voiced concerns. Many feared a large shopping complex would pull customers away from downtown Iowa City and other established retail centers.
Still, Coralville officials pushed forward, seeing the mall as a way to boost local tax revenue and drive growth in the area. By the mid-90s, plans for Coral Ridge Mall were well underway.
Once the project received approval, construction moved fast. Crews broke ground in the late 1990s, working to bring General Growth Properties’ vision to life.
The design called for a sprawling, enclosed shopping center with room for over 100 retailers, multiple anchor stores, and entertainment spaces.
As the opening date neared, excitement grew. The mall promised a fresh shopping experience, featuring major national brands alongside entertainment options like an ice rink and a large food court.
Before the first store even opened, retailers lined up for a spot. By the time Coral Ridge Mall was ready, every available space had been leased.
The mix of department stores, specialty retailers, and dining options set the stage for a strong debut.
Community members had mixed reactions. While some anticipated a new go-to shopping destination, others worried about the impact on existing businesses.
Still, the buzz surrounding the grand opening was undeniable. People across eastern Iowa were eager to see what Coral Ridge Mall had to offer.
This mall was more than a shopping center—it was an economic catalyst. As Coral Ridge Mall prepared to welcome its first visitors, it was already shaping the retail landscape in ways that would unfold for years to come.
Grand Opening and Early Years
On July 29, 1998, Coral Ridge Mall officially opened its doors, fully leased and ready to serve the region. Shoppers flooded in, eager to explore the sprawling retail space.
Within the first 30 days, the mall welcomed over one million visitors—an early sign of its strong pull.
Anchor stores like Sears, JCPenney, Dillard’s, and Younkers formed the foundation of the mall’s retail mix. Shoppers also found national chains, specialty stores, and an expansive food court.
Beyond shopping, the mall introduced an NHL regulation-size ice rink, setting it apart from other retail centers in the area.
The Iowa Children’s Museum, located within the mall, added an educational and interactive element for families.
The mall’s influence stretched beyond its walls. Development around the area surged as big-box retailers, including Kohl’s and Lowe’s, set up shop nearby.
The interchange at I-80 and Iowa Highway 965 became a retail hotspot, attracting shoppers who might otherwise have gone to Iowa City or Cedar Rapids.
Evolution and Expansion
Sears, a long-time staple, closed in 2013. The space remained vacant for a few years until the mall announced redevelopment plans. In 2016, the former Sears building was demolished, making way for six new retail spaces.
By 2017, HomeGoods, Marshalls, PetSmart, and Ulta Beauty had all moved in. These additions helped fill the gap left by Sears and introduced more variety to the mall’s offerings.
However, in April 2018, another major change hit—Bon-Ton Stores, the parent company of Younkers, announced it was going out of business. This led to the closure of Younkers on August 29, 2018.
Five Below opened in March 2019, and Ashley HomeStore took over the former Younkers space in November of the same year.
In May 2020, Scheels expanded, taking over the former Forever 21 space along with six additional storefronts.
H&M joined the lineup in April 2021, bringing another national clothing brand to the mall. In February 2023, Planet Fitness opened, filling five vacant store spaces and becoming one of the mall’s junior anchors.
Beyond retail, the mall’s entertainment options remained a draw. The ice rink continued hosting University of Iowa hockey games, public skating sessions, and community events.
Marcus Theatres operates the movie theater, which upgraded seating and technology to enhance the viewing experience.
These non-retail attractions helped keep foot traffic steady even as consumer shopping habits evolved.
Economic and Community Impact
Coral Ridge Mall reshaped Coralville’s retail landscape. When it opened in 1998, taxable sales in the city jumped from $170 million to $314 million in a year.
The mall’s presence also influenced Iowa City, where sales rose from $700 million to $733 million over the same period.
By 2006, Coralville’s taxable sales had climbed to $550 million. The mall played a major role in this growth, drawing shoppers from across eastern Iowa.
Its mix of national retailers, entertainment options, and dining establishments made it a go-to destination. Major chains that set up shop nearby—Kohl’s, Lowe’s, and Walmart—also benefited from the increased traffic.
The mall’s success came with trade-offs. A 2000 study by an Iowa State University economist found that 18 eastern Iowa counties lost over $120 million in retail sales to Johnson County within the mall’s first year.
Some smaller shopping centers, including Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids, saw store closures as national chains relocated to Coral Ridge Mall.
While the mall fueled Coralville’s economy, it sparked concerns among business owners in Iowa City. Many feared that downtown retailers would lose customers.
Between 1997 and 2007, general merchandise and apparel sales in Iowa City declined, reinforcing those concerns.
Other malls in the region struggled. Old Capitol Mall in downtown Iowa City and Sycamore Mall saw increased vacancies in the years following Coral Ridge Mall’s opening.
Younkers initially operated stores in both Old Capitol and Coral Ridge before closing its Iowa City location in 2005.
However, by 2008, Old Capitol Mall and Sycamore Mall recovered, with occupancy rates reaching 95% under local ownership.
Coral Ridge Mall was built within a tax increment financing (TIF) district, adding another layer of debate.
Instead of directing the mall’s property taxes toward city services, Coralville used the funds—approximately $7 million annually—to pay off debts from a new hotel and convention center project.
Residents and officials criticized the decision, believing the money should have been reinvested in infrastructure and public services.
Notable Events and Incidents
Over the years, Coral Ridge Mall has dealt with a few high-profile incidents. One of the most unusual occurred on September 3, 2003.
During a routine structural inspection, officials discovered that someone had been secretly growing marijuana near the mall’s ceiling.
Although no plants were found at the time, authorities recovered growing lights, gardening pots, and seeds hidden in the roof space.
A more tragic event took place on June 12, 2015. Around 7:30 pm, a shooting occurred near the food court inside the Iowa Children’s Museum.
A former mall security guard shot a 20-year-old woman who worked at the museum. Witnesses said the suspect had been fired earlier that day for harassing the victim.
Emergency responders transported her to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, but she did not survive. The shooting shocked the community and led to increased security measures at the mall.
Recent Developments at Coral Ridge Mall (2023-2024)
In early October 2024, Coral Ridge Mall welcomed a new A&W restaurant, expanding its dining offerings. This addition provides shoppers with classic American fare, enhancing the mall’s appeal as a comprehensive shopping and dining destination.
From November 21 to 24, 2024, the mall hosted Paranormal Cirque, a unique blend of theater, circus, and cabaret.
The event took place in the mall’s parking lot, offering attendees a distinctive entertainment experience that combined elements of horror and acrobatics.
Additionally, the Iowa Children’s Museum, located within the mall, reintroduced its Sensory Friendly Night.
This event, held on select Sundays, provides a supportive environment for children with sensory sensitivities, allowing them to explore the museum with adjusted lighting and sound.