Early Developments at Kennedy Mall
In 1964, Montgomery Ward announced plans to relocate from downtown Dubuque to the west end. This move set the stage for the future Kennedy Mall. By February 1966, the land rezoning for the mall’s construction was approved, paving the way for development.
William M. Cafaro and Associates, now known as Cafaro Company, spearheaded the project. Construction commenced in 1968. The mall’s first store, Younkers, opened in 1968, marking the beginning of its retail journey. Montgomery Ward followed suit in May 1969, enhancing the mall’s commercial appeal.
Kennedy Mall officially opened on April 15, 1970. The grand opening featured Roshek’s as a new anchor store and F.W. Woolworth Company as a junior anchor. At launch, the mall housed sixty stores, making it Iowa’s largest enclosed mall. Soon after opening, a tornado damaged parts of Dubuque, including the mall.
In 1972, General Cinema remodeled its single-screen theater into a two-screen setup. This change drew more visitors and enhanced the mall’s entertainment options. The theater’s renovation showed how the mall adapted to meet growing consumer demands.
The mall added more stores throughout the decade. Each new addition attracted more shoppers and strengthened the mall’s position in the community. Kennedy Mall’s ability to evolve and expand played a crucial role in its success.
In the early years, Kennedy Mall established itself as a prominent retail center, attracting various stores and businesses.
This period laid the foundation for future expansions and developments, cementing its status as a key shopping destination in Dubuque. If you are exploring things to do in Dubuque, IA, visiting the Kennedy Mall remains a popular choice.
The 1980s: Renovations and New Anchors
The 1980s brought more changes to Kennedy Mall. New anchors like JCPenney, Sears, and Armstrong’s joined. These additions boosted the mall’s retail offerings and attracted more shoppers.
In 1989, the mall underwent a major renovation. The food court opened in the northeast corner, offering a variety of dining options. Cosmetic improvements gave the mall a fresh look, making it more inviting for visitors.
The renovations didn’t stop there. General Cinema expanded again, building a six-screen theater in the parking lot. This new cinema offered more movie choices and drew more visitors to the mall. The upgrades showed the mall’s commitment to staying current and appealing to shoppers.
Throughout the 1980s, Kennedy Mall continued to adapt and grow. The addition of new anchors and ongoing improvements kept it at the forefront of Dubuque’s retail scene.
The 1990s: Steady Operations
During the 1990s, Kennedy Mall maintained steady operations. The mall’s established anchor stores, such as JCPenney and Sears, continued to attract a consistent flow of shoppers. New retail outlets kept appearing, each adding to the mall’s diverse offerings.
General Cinema’s six-screen theater remained a popular spot, drawing moviegoers from across Dubuque.
The food court, introduced in the late 80s, became a bustling area where visitors could enjoy various dining options. This mix of retail and dining made the mall a convenient one-stop destination.
Throughout the decade, the mall focused on maintaining its appeal. Regular updates and minor renovations kept the space modern and inviting. These efforts ensured that Kennedy Mall stayed relevant in the competitive retail market.
The 2000s: New Challenges and Changes
The 2000s brought new challenges and changes to Kennedy Mall. In 2005, Walgreens moved out of the mall and opened a free-standing store nearby. This change marked the beginning of a period of transition for the mall.
In 2007, the Cafaro Company announced a $2.9 million renovation plan for Kennedy Mall. The project included new floors, updated entrances, and improved landscaping.
Skylights were added, and the mall’s east front was reconfigured to accommodate more stores facing Wacker Drive.
The renovation was well-received by residents. The updates gave the mall a fresh look and made it more attractive to shoppers. In 2008, a new children’s play area sponsored by The Finley Hospital opened, adding a family-friendly feature to the mall.
In 2011, the closure of Borders bookstore led to Books-A-Million taking over the space. This transition ensured that the mall continued to offer a variety of retail options.
Despite these changes, Kennedy Mall remained a vital part of Dubuque’s retail landscape, adapting to meet the needs of its visitors.
Recent Developments
The 2010s brought several changes to Kennedy Mall. In 2014, Sears announced its closure, marking the end of an era for one of the mall’s key anchors. This closure affected the mall’s foot traffic but also opened up opportunities for new businesses.
In 2016, Vertical Jump Park opened, introducing a new entertainment option for visitors. This trampoline park added a unique attraction that drew families and active individuals to the mall.
In 2017, Phoenix Theatres replaced Mindframe Theaters, keeping the cinema experience alive and current.
The retail landscape continued to shift. In 2018, Younkers closed, impacting 90 employees and leaving another anchor spot vacant. This closure was part of a broader trend affecting department stores across the country.
Kennedy Mall partnered with Carnegie-Stout Public Library in early 2020 to open the Reading Corner. This community space offered a quiet spot for reading and learning, though it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened in February 2024.
Ongoing and Future Plans
The mall has continued to evolve. In February 2023, Books-A-Million moved into half of the former Younkers space, sharing it with Burlington Coat Factory.
This move highlighted the mall’s flexibility in adapting to changing retail trends. Additionally, HomeGoods took over the previous Books-A-Million spot and other vacant storefronts.
Kennedy Mall hasn’t stopped there. In June 2024, the mall requested zoning modifications to allow businesses in the southwestern parking lot.
This change aims to make better use of available space and attract more visitors. The mall’s ability to reinvent itself demonstrates its resilience and commitment to serving the community.
As Kennedy Mall looks to the future, it continues to adapt and grow. The mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options ensures that it remains a vital part of Dubuque’s commercial landscape.
The mall’s evolution reflects the broader trends in the retail industry and its efforts to meet the needs of modern shoppers.