Colony Square Mall: Launching a Retail Hub in Zanesville
Colony Square Mall opened in 1981, bringing a new shopping and entertainment space to Zanesville, Ohio (55 miles from Columbus).
Developed by General Growth Properties, it entered a retail market eager for a modern enclosed mall.
The site at 3575 Maple Avenue positioned the property near major roadways, including Interstate 70, making it easily accessible to both locals and travelers.
With a floor plan covering approximately 610,000 square feet, it featured a single-level layout designed for convenience.
The original anchor lineup included four major department stores: Sears, Lazarus, JCPenney, and Elder-Beerman.
Shoppers kept Colony Square Mall busy, drawn by a mix of fashion, home goods, and electronics.
Sears and JCPenney were already household names, while Elder-Beerman had a strong following in the Midwest.
Lazarus added to the mall’s appeal before shifting retail trends led to its exit.
The stores at the time reflected what people wanted—clothing boutiques, jewelry shops, and specialty retailers filled the space.
The food court offered quick bites, while sit-down restaurants popped up nearby.
With a solid lineup of stores and places to eat, the mall quickly became a shopping hub for Zanesville and beyond.
Malls were booming during the 1980s, and Colony Square was no exception. Wide walkways and open seating areas made it easy to linger, encouraging visitors to browse and shop longer.
Foot traffic stayed strong, and sales kept pace with the national mall craze.
With its lineup of national chains and a few locally owned businesses, it quickly became part of the “things to do in Zanesville, Ohio” for both shoppers and casual visitors.
During the 1990s, as retail trends changed, Colony Square Mall shifted its tenant mix and overall approach.
The following decade saw expansions, store closures, and fresh additions that reshaped its presence in the area.
Retail Shifts and Anchor Changes: 1990s–2010s
In 1995, Lowe’s Home Improvement opened near the mall, drawing shoppers in search of tools, appliances, and building supplies.
Its opening attracted a new crowd and balanced the retail mix alongside the mall’s fashion and department stores.
The early 2000s brought even bigger shifts. Lazarus, once a key anchor, shut down in 2002, leaving a large space. Instead of filling it with another retailer, developers took a different approach.
In 2005, they tore down the old Lazarus building and replaced it with a Cinemark theater.
With 12 screens, people have a new reason to visit—entertainment, not just shopping.
As department stores across the country started closing, malls began leaning on movie theaters, restaurants, and other attractions to stay relevant.
Colony Square followed that trend, keeping foot traffic steady even as retail habits changed.
Other well-known brands also exited. Old Navy, which had been a popular stop for casual clothing, shut down in 2008.
A few years later, in 2013, Sears also left the mall, ending its decades-long presence.
However, the former Sears space didn’t stay empty for long—Dunham’s Sports moved in, bringing an expanded selection of athletic gear, apparel, and outdoor equipment.
Ownership changes also shaped the mall’s direction. In January 2017, Time Equities Inc., a New York-based real estate firm, purchased Colony Square Mall for $31.5 million.
The acquisition signaled a shift in management strategy, with a focus on maintaining occupancy levels and adapting to industry trends.
Current Retail and Entertainment Landscape
As of February 2025, Colony Square Mall continues to operate with a mix of national chains and smaller retailers.
Anchors include JCPenney, Dunham’s Sports, TJ Maxx, and Five Below.
The Cinemark theater remains a major draw, offering the only large-scale movie experience within a 25-mile radius.
Beyond the anchor stores, the mall’s interior is occupied by a variety of specialty retailers.
American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works, and Shoe Carnival serve shoppers looking for apparel and accessories, while Spencer’s caters to niche fashion and pop culture trends.
Several jewelry stores and phone carriers, including AT&T and Mobilexpress, also maintain locations within the property.
Dining options inside and around the mall reflect both fast-food and sit-down restaurant preferences.
The food court includes full-service restaurants such as Longhorn Steakhouse, The 146 Restaurant, and Roosters, which provide alternatives for those looking for a larger meal.
Chipotle Mexican Grill and Picnic Pizza are other go-to spots for customers who want a quick bite.
Adding non-retail services boosted Colony Square Mall’s appeal. Planet Fitness draws visitors outside normal shopping hours, ensuring a steady flow of traffic.
The Central Park play area offers families a place to relax, while The Chatty Cat Café—the area’s first cat café—combines coffee with adoptable pets.
While retail trends continue to evolve, Colony Square Mall remains active. Store turnover happens, as with any mall, but new tenants and updated attractions keep it in business.
Recent events at Colony Square Mall
In 2025, the mall welcomed new businesses, contributing to its diverse offerings.
Notably, Ian Lauer’s Kenpo Karate and Pit Stop Express celebrated their grand openings at Colony Square Mall, providing visitors with new options for martial arts training and quick-service dining, respectively.
Since Friday, February 21, Colony Square Mall has been hosting its annual Home Show, running through Sunday, February 23.
The event features a variety of exhibitors showcasing the latest in home improvement products and services, drawing strong local interest.
Retail Economics and Market Trends
Colony Square Mall has gone through economic ups and downs as shopping habits have shifted.
Large indoor malls across the country have faced challenges, with many struggling to maintain foot traffic.
While some properties have seen declining occupancy rates, Colony Square Mall has adapted by bringing in a mix of traditional retailers, discount chains, and entertainment venues.
Leasing activity will play a key role in determining the mall’s future. As department stores fade, large retail spaces need new tenants.
Cinemark and Dunham’s Sports have helped fill gaps, but the departure of stores like Sears and Elder-Beerman shows that big-box retailers are no longer a guaranteed fit.
The mall’s next phase will be shaped by whether it can attract new anchor tenants or shift toward more entertainment and service businesses.