Origins and Development (1964-1985)
Macomb Mall, located in Roseville, Michigan, opened its doors in 1964. Developed by the Schostak Brothers, the mall quickly became a retail hub for the surrounding community. The initial lineup of anchor stores included Sears, Crowley’s, and Kresge, establishing a strong foundation for the mall’s commercial success.
In 1965, the mall expanded its entertainment offerings by adding a two-screen movie theater near the Sears store. This addition drew more visitors to the mall, enhancing its appeal as a shopping and entertainment destination. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the mall maintained steady foot traffic, serving as a key retail center in the region.
Expansion and Renovations (1986-1999)
In 1986, Macomb Mall underwent a major expansion that brought in new stores and renewed energy. The addition of MainStreet as a third anchor store was a big move. MainStreet’s arrival added more retail variety, but just a few years later, Kohl’s took over the space in 1989.
The expansion didn’t stop there. Over 40 new stores opened, giving shoppers even more options and making the mall a busier place.
One of the standout changes in this period came in 1999 when Old Navy opened its doors. This wasn’t just another store; it was the first Old Navy in Macomb County. Old Navy brought in a younger crowd and kept the mall current with retail trends.
Crowley’s, an original anchor, went bankrupt that same year, and Value City took over its space, marking the end of an era for one of the mall’s original tenants.
During this time, the mall kept pace with retail trends and growing competition. New stores and regular updates to the mall’s layout and offerings made sure it remained a go-to destination for shoppers. These changes kept the mall vibrant and well-trafficked, setting the stage for its continued evolution.
Ownership Changes and Challenges (2000-2011)
The early 2000s brought a shift in ownership and new challenges for Macomb Mall. In 2004, the Schostak Brothers put the mall on the market.
Thor Equities, known for real estate investments, purchased the mall that same year. This change brought uncertainty, but the mall continued operating as usual, with Value City remaining a key tenant until it closed in March 2008.
The real challenge came in late 2011 when Thor Equities faced a loan default that nearly led to the mall’s closure. The mall changed hands again, with Cushman & Wakefield taking over in 2011.
Lormax Stern, a real estate firm focused on shopping centers, acquired the mall in 2013, bringing new hope and plans for revitalization.
These years weren’t easy for Macomb Mall. The changing ownership and financial difficulties threatened its stability. Yet, despite the ups and downs, the mall stayed open and continued serving its community.
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The mall’s resilience during these years showed its importance as a retail hub in Roseville, MI, and set the stage for the revitalization efforts that followed.
Revitalization Efforts (2013-2015)
When Lormax Stern took over Macomb Mall in 2013, they quickly announced a $8 million renovation plan. This bold move aimed at breathing new life into the mall.
The plan included demolishing the old theater complex and replacing the vacant Crowley’s/Value City building with a new Dick’s Sporting Goods. These changes weren’t just cosmetic; they were meant to attract new retailers and bring back shoppers.
The strategy worked. By 2014, Ulta and Shoe Carnival had signed on as new tenants. H&M, a popular Swedish retailer, opened in 2015, drawing a younger, fashion-conscious crowd.
These additions helped fill empty spaces and modernize the mall’s offerings. The occupancy rate jumped from about two-thirds to over 90%, a clear sign that the mall was on the right track.
The revitalization didn’t stop with new stores. The mall’s layout got a refresh, making it easier to navigate and more appealing to visitors.
The renovations gave the mall a much-needed update, both in appearance and in the variety of stores available. It felt like the mall was back in the game, ready to compete with newer shopping centers in the area.
Further Developments and Store Changes (2015-2017)
The years following the revitalization saw more changes. In April 2015, the movie theater, which had expanded to eight screens, closed its doors for good.
By the following year, the theater building was demolished, making way for new opportunities. This was part of the ongoing transformation that aimed to keep the mall relevant.
Sears, one of the mall’s original anchors, faced its challenges during this time. In 2017, Sears Holdings announced the closure of the Macomb Mall store. This was a big loss, but the mall didn’t sit idle.
A portion of the Sears space was converted into an At Home store, and the old auto center became a DieHard store. These changes helped offset the impact of losing such a long-standing tenant.
These developments showed how the mall continued to adapt, even in the face of challenges, keeping itself a relevant shopping destination for the community.
Recent Changes and Current Status (2018-2024)
Hobby Lobby opened in the former Sears space in October 2019, bringing a new type of store that caters to craft enthusiasts and hobbyists. Filling the Sears location with a large, well-known chain helped keep the mall relevant and attracted more foot traffic.
The mall didn’t stop with Hobby Lobby. There were ongoing discussions about adding a small food court next to Kohl’s. This idea aimed to offer more dining options for shoppers, making the mall a more well-rounded destination.
Though smaller than other food courts, this addition could provide visitors with a quick bite, encouraging them to stay longer.
Between 2019 and 2024, the mall’s tenant mix continued to evolve. Stores came and went, but the management kept pushing to bring in new retailers that matched consumer interests.
The mall’s adaptability during this period showed how it continued to meet the needs of its community, even as the retail environment kept shifting.
As of 2024, the mall is a key shopping center north of Detroit, MI. The updates and new stores over the past few years have maintained its relevance. Macomb Mall remains an important part of the local retail scene, constantly evolving to serve its shoppers better.
Recent Incident and Security Concerns at Macomb Mall (2024)
In May 2024, Macomb Mall faced a troubling situation when reports of an active shooter led to a complete evacuation of the premises.
The incident occurred on May 23, when several individuals inside the mall believed they heard gunshots. Panic quickly spread, and shoppers and employees were evacuated as police responded to the scene.
After a thorough investigation, law enforcement determined that the reports were unfounded. The incident was deemed a false alarm, but it raised concerns about mall security and the safety of public spaces.
The event has sparked discussions among local authorities and mall management about improving security measures. While no one was harmed, the incident highlighted the importance of preparedness and the potential impact of false alarms on community safety.