A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Fairlane Town Center Mall has been a beloved shopping destination in the heart of Dearborn, Michigan, for over four decades. Developed by A. Alfred Taubman, it opened its doors on March 1, 1976, and quickly became a popular gathering spot for residents.
Developed by Taubman Centers, the mall was part of a broader strategy to create super-regional shopping centers in the Detroit metro area. Fairlane’s design included a sprawling 1.4 million square feet of retail space, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
It was strategically located near key landmarks, such as the Ford Motor Company headquarters and the University of Michigan–Dearborn.
The mall originally featured JCPenney and Sears as its anchor stores. Hudson’s opened later in July 1976, further bolstering the mall’s retail offerings.
Additional amenities included an ice-skating rink on the ground floor and a 5-screen movie theater situated above the rink.
A monorail system, provided by Ford ACT, shuttled shoppers between the mall and the nearby Hyatt Regency Hotel. The monorail system ceased operations in 1987 and was demolished in 1990.
In 1978, Lord & Taylor joined Fairlane, making it one of the key department stores in the mall. Saks Fifth Avenue opened its doors in 1980, further diversifying the luxury shopping options available.
During this period, Fairlane became a prominent retail destination, attracting both local shoppers and visitors from nearby areas, adding to the allure of things to do west of Detroit, Michigan.
Changes and Renovations
Over the years, the mall underwent several renovations and transformations, including:
- A 21-screen Star Theatre multiplex was added in 1999, which became AMC Star in 2006.
- The closure of Saks Fifth Avenue’s outlet store in 2008 and the subsequent opening of new restaurants, such as BRAVO! Cucina Italiana and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.
- Michigan‘s first Macy’s Backstage opening in 2017 occupied most of the third floor.
Notable Milestones
- The sale of Fairlane Town Center and six other malls to Starwood Capital Group LLC for $1.4 billion in 2014.
- Ford Motor Company added new offices in the former Lord & Taylor space in 2017, occupying over 200,000 square feet.
- The closure of Sears in 2018 was part of a plan to close 78 stores nationwide.
- In March 2023, Kohan Retail Investment Group became the new owner of the mall.
Mall Architecture and Design
Fairlane Town Center’s design stood out when it first opened in 1976. Taubman Centers developed the mall with a focus on creating a functional yet visually appealing space.
The two main floors offered wide corridors, making it easy for shoppers to navigate, while a partial third floor in certain sections, like Macy’s, added to the mall’s size and capacity. The architecture was all about keeping traffic moving and making the shopping experience seamless.
One of the mall’s standout features was its dual central courts. The south court functioned as an event space with a stage and seating area, while the north court included a large terraced fountain.
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These courts weren’t just decorative; they divided the mall into distinct areas, giving each section its character.
Escalators, stairs, and ramps linked these spaces, making access convenient from any point in the mall.
Another defining feature was the hexagonal skylights. They brightened the mall with natural light, making the space feel open and inviting.
Terrazzo-tiled floors added a polished look and stood up to the heavy foot traffic the mall received in its early years. The architecture also featured clean lines and modern materials, which gave it a fresh, upscale look when it opened.
The Ford ACT monorail system was an iconic part of the mall’s early design. The elevated tracks ran through the mall, connecting shoppers to the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The monorail, though operational for only 11 years, added a futuristic element to Fairlane. Even after its closure in 1987, its legacy remained part of the mall’s story.
Latest Developments and Financial Troubles
Fairlane Town Center continues to struggle with financial challenges in 2023 and 2024. Kohan Retail Investment Group, which acquired the mall in 2023, has faced multiple issues, including unpaid utility bills and property taxes.
In early 2024, it was revealed that the mall had not paid its DTE Energy bill, leading to the threat of a power shut-off. Although Kohan eventually paid the outstanding bill in May 2024, this situation raised concerns about the mall’s overall financial health.
The mall’s unpaid property taxes also made headlines in 2024. Reports showed that Kohan fell behind on taxes, which triggered further uncertainty about the future of Fairlane Town Center.
Wayne County has considered taking legal action, and local officials, including the mayor of Dearborn, have been involved in discussions regarding the mall’s future.
Despite these financial troubles, Kohan Retail has attempted to reassure tenants and customers. They claim that plans are underway to stabilize the mall and explore redevelopment options.
However, as of September 2024, no concrete plans have been announced, leaving Fairlane Town Center’s future in doubt. Community members and mall tenants remain concerned about the mall’s viability as a retail hub.
The security situation at Fairlane has also been problematic. In May 2024, a shooting near the mall’s parking lot led to an arrest, further affecting the mall’s reputation as a safe destination.
These issues, combined with the mall’s financial instability, contribute to a complex and challenging environment for Fairlane Town Center as it heads into late 2024.
Fairlane Town Center Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Fairlane Town Center opens |
| 1978 | Lord & Taylor and the first Coffee Beanery open |
| 1980 | Saks Fifth Avenue opens |
| 1999 | 21-screen Star Theatre multiplex added |
| 2006 | AMC merges with Star, forming AMC Star |
| 2007 | Major renovation completed; H&M and new restaurants added |
| 2014 | Mall sold to Starwood Capital Group |
| 2017 | The mall was sold to Kohan Retail Investment Group |
| 2018 | Sears closes |
| 2022 | AMC Theatres close |
| 2023 | Mall sold to Kohan Retail Investment Group |
The last time I went to Fairlane town center was in 1991. Took my family to the movies, and two groups of teens were screaming at each other, and then someone pulled out a gun and shot five shots into the ceiling. I haven’t been back since.
It is extremely unfortunate that you had such a distressing experience at Fairlane Town Center in 1991. Over the past three decades, mall management has likely taken various steps to improve safety and security measures. Enhanced surveillance, collaboration with local law enforcement, and the presence of security personnel all contribute to fostering a secure environment.