The Inception of Lakeview Square Mall
Lakeview Square Mall first opened its doors to the public on August 3, 1983, marking an important moment for Battle Creek, Michigan. The mall was developed by Forbes/Cohen, a prominent real estate company involved in several other mall projects during that era.
Situated at the intersection of M-66 and I-94, the location was chosen to maximize accessibility for both local shoppers and travelers passing through.
The mall debuted with three major anchor stores: Sears, J.C. Penney, and Hudson’s. These well-known retailers helped establish Lakeview Square as a major shopping destination for the region. On its opening day, the mall was reported to have 70% occupancy, housing around 46 stores.
The mall was filled with various retailers, particularly those selling clothing, jewelry, and footwear, making it an attractive spot for people looking for things to do in Battle Creek, MI.
Designed with skylights, indoor plants, and open spaces, Lakeview Square Mall offered a modern shopping experience that stood out in the early 1980s. The architecture and interior design aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere, drawing in over 10,000 shoppers on its very first day.
With its central location and wide range of retail options, the mall quickly became a key part of the community and a popular retail hub for southwestern Michigan.
The Peak Years and Community Role
During the 1980s and 1990s, Lakeview Square Mall became a central hub for the Battle Creek community. Regular events filled the calendar, from car shows and expos to community gatherings like holiday photos with Santa and the Easter Bunny.
Families from Battle Creek and surrounding areas would gather at the mall, making it a key part of local culture and social life.
As the mall expanded, a significant addition was the construction of a movie theater in 1995. This expansion brought in even more foot traffic, as it gave people more reasons to visit the mall beyond shopping.
Many locals came to the mall for a full day’s experience, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment. The food court, a popular feature, offered a variety of options for shoppers and moviegoers alike.
Decline and the Impact of the Retail Apocalypse
In the early 2010s, Lakeview Square Mall began to feel the effects of changing retail trends. The rise of online shopping and the increasing popularity of big-box stores put pressure on malls across the country.
Lakeview Square was no exception. Foot traffic gradually declined, and by the late 2010s, many stores faced closures.
Anchor tenants like Sears, JCPenney, and Macy’s, which had been pillars of the mall’s success, closed their doors in 2017-2019 years.
The term “retail apocalypse” became a familiar description of what was happening across the nation. Malls that once thrived were left struggling to stay relevant in an era where online shopping was taking over.
Lakeview Square Mall experienced a steady loss of tenants. By 2024, the mall housed only 19 tenants, compared to the 70 or more shops it originally hosted in the 1980s.
Recent Revitalization Efforts
In recent years, Lakeview Square Mall has seen several revitalization efforts in an attempt to combat the steady decline.
One of the most notable changes came in March 2023, when Horrocks Farm Market moved into the former JCPenney building.
This addition brought new life to that part of the mall, attracting a different type of customer—one interested in fresh, local produce and specialty grocery items.
Horrocks has since become one of the mall’s main attractions, offering more than just groceries with its selection of plants, home goods, and a café.
In addition to Horrocks, the Olive Garden chain broke ground on a new restaurant in the mall area in September 2024. This development marks a step toward expanding dining options in and around Lakeview Square, which could help draw more visitors.
This project has been in the pipeline for over a year, following Olive Garden’s August 2023 request for a Liquor License from Battle Creek city commissioners.
The request included provisions for Sunday sales, allowing the restaurant to serve alcohol in the morning and evening, as per Michigan liquor laws.
Restaurants have often been part of revitalization strategies for struggling malls, and Olive Garden’s arrival reflects ongoing efforts to breathe new life into the space.
Despite these positive changes, filling the many empty retail spots in the mall has remained a challenge.
City leaders and the mall’s management have discussed various proposals, ranging from turning sections of the property into office spaces or entertainment venues to attracting more service-oriented businesses.
These efforts show that there is still hope for revitalizing the mall, but the path to recovery is uncertain and slow-moving.
Would it be possible to rent spaces out to people that want to start selling their merchandise. Instead of having all the blue box containers they are using in downtown Battle Creek.
Offer spaces for people to rent for their selling needs that don’t have a place for a garage sale. Offer a gathering room for special events such as a family reunion. Make a skating rink for
A healthy community activity.
Thank you for sharing your ideas! Renting spaces for vendors and hosting events would bring more people into the mall, and a skating rink would add a fun, active element for families.
I’m pleased to read that the Battle Creek city leaders haven’t given up on using the mall for the community needs.
Hopefully, it will turn into something beneficial for everyone.