The Origins of Indian Mound Mall
Indian Mound Mall opened its doors to the public on October 23, 1986, in Heath, Ohio. Built by Glimcher Realty Trust, this mall was part of a larger effort to boost local retail options in Licking County, and it quickly became a go-to spot for shopping.
Situated at 771 South 30th Street, it was designed to serve a growing suburban community that seeks convenience and variety in their shopping experiences.
At the time of its grand opening, the mall featured four anchor stores: JCPenney, Elder-Beerman, Lazarus, and Hills. These retail giants attracted a diverse crowd from across the region, setting a strong foundation for the mall’s early success.
Crown Cinema, an additional entertainment option, was introduced just two years later, in 1988, giving shoppers more reasons to stay. It was clear that Indian Mound Mall wasn’t just a place to shop but a place to spend time with family and friends.
Visually, the mall adopted a unique logo reflecting its name—featuring a circle with lines and a feather symbolizing the area’s Native American heritage. This branding helped connect the mall with its local roots, a theme that resonated with the community.
As the mall continued to grow and evolve, it also became one of the top things to do in Heath, Ohio, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The Evolution of Anchor Tenants and Changing Retail Landscape
Over the years, Indian Mound Mall has seen many of its anchor stores change as the retail environment shifts. The first big change came in 1999 when Hills, one of the original tenants, was replaced by Ames.
Ames itself closed just a few years later, in 2002, leaving a vacant space that was eventually filled by Steve & Barry’s in 2004. This pattern of turnover reflects how malls across the country grappled with changing consumer habits during the early 2000s.
Another anchor, Lazarus, also exited the mall in 2004, and its space became home to Goody’s in 2005. However, Goody’s didn’t last long, shutting its doors by the end of May 2008.
After a few years of vacancy, Dick’s Sporting Goods opened its doors in 2011, bringing a fresh retail experience for sporting enthusiasts.
This marked a shift for Indian Mound Mall, as more specialty stores began to move in, changing the overall shopping experience from general retail to more focused offerings.
Big Sandy Superstore, another key addition, came into the picture in 2017, filling the spot previously occupied by Steve & Barry’s.
Meanwhile, long-time anchor Elder-Beerman closed in August 2018 as the company faced financial struggles.
Sears, one of the mall’s anchors since 1997, followed suit by closing its doors in December 2019, a casualty of the broader Sears bankruptcy that affected malls across the country. The mall continued to adjust, aiming to keep pace with retail trends while adapting to these losses.
The Decline and Revitalization Efforts of the Food Court and Retail Mix
Like many malls, Indian Mound Mall’s food court has experienced ups and downs, especially in the last decade. In early March 2020, Lee’s Kitchen Chinese Restaurant, the last remaining eatery in the food court, closed its doors.
This closure came after a series of food court restaurants, such as Osaka Japanese Grill, left the mall—Osaka ended a 20-year run in 2018.
Before these closures, the food court had been home to popular spots like Seraphina’s coffee shop, which shut down in 2014 after only two years in business.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic leads to further complications for the mall. A Developmental Disability center that had been opened in the mall during the pandemic also closed due to disputes with the landlord and struggled to generate revenue.
The closure of this center highlighted the mall’s need to attract a more diverse range of tenants beyond traditional retail and dining options.
In response, Indian Mound Mall began to explore new tenant types and revitalization efforts. One of the most notable moves was the opening of Altitude Trampoline Park in a portion of the former Elder-Beerman space in November 2020.
Additionally, the mall’s owners introduced Apex Fitness Center, a 24-hour gym, to attract residents looking for fitness options. These steps show a clear shift toward experience-based businesses, aiming to breathe new life into the mall and cater to a broader audience.
Heath Downtown Development
In 2024, Heath, Ohio, began an exciting transformation with a new downtown development near Indian Mound Mall.
This 300-acre project, long in the making, aims to create a mixed-use community that blends residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. It’s a bold step toward shaping a vibrant and self-sustaining environment.
Wallick Communities is leading the residential portion, planning 424 multifamily units, mostly two-bedroom apartments. Four mixed-use buildings will feature commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above.
The town center will include 40,000 square feet of commercial space for restaurants, retail, and offices. Recreational amenities like a gym, pool, and sports courts will add value to residents’ lives.
Now, Central Ohio experiences population growth driven by investments like Intel’s expansion. The project, which will open in phases starting in 2026, will provide new housing, jobs, and recreational options for the community.
Sustainability is also a focus, with efforts to preserve farmland and green spaces. Local schools are preparing for the influx of families, ensuring the town’s infrastructure supports its growing population.
The downtown center near Indian Mound Mall is a key piece of Heath’s future, offering a new, integrated way of living.
I must have missed it. I knew of the loss of businesses at the mall. But what are you doing for that site? I love the idea of what you are doing with the other location. Sounds like something the people will welcome to our community. Still what about the mall?
That’s a good point! I hope they have a solid plan for the mall’s future like they do for other locations. Building that much housing should attract many new regular visitors to the mall.
I for one would like to see the Mall grow. I like the brick and mortars so much more than online shopping. At least with the brick and mortars, I can see what I’m buying and how it fits before I make the purchase. I can also make purchases for the entire family and or parties. Hopefully Indian Mound Mall can survive and prosper when Intel comes in! 🙏
You bring up a great point – brick-and-mortar stores offer an experience that online shopping just can’t replace. Here’s to hoping Indian Mound Mall thrives when Intel arrives. Thanks for sharing!