The Evolution of Piqua Centre Mall
Once a bustling hub of retail activity, the Piqua Centre Mall (former Miami Valley Centre Mall) has seen its share of ups and downs. Built in 1988, this mall was the go-to place for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Piqua, Ohio. Anchored by retail giants like JCPenney, Sears, Elder-Beerman, and Hills, it was a symbol of the city’s economic prosperity.
However, as e-commerce began to dominate the retail landscape, the mall faced significant challenges. Big-box stores struggled to adapt to the digital age, eventually closing. This ripple effect on the mall’s foot traffic affects smaller tenants and leads to a cycle of vacancies.
The mall’s decline wasn’t just a local phenomenon but reflective of broader economic shifts affecting malls across America. Yet, what sets Piqua Centre Mall apart is its resilience. Despite the setbacks, the mall has been a cornerstone of the community, hosting events and serving as a gathering place for locals.
Fast forward to 2023, and the mall is transforming. Thanks to a collaborative effort between Bruns Construction Enterprises and Caspian Group, the mall is rejuvenating and is now known as The Piqua Centre.
The History of Piqua Centre Mall
The Miami Valley Centre Mall has a storied past reflecting Piqua, Ohio’s changing retail landscape. One of the original anchors was J.C. Penney, operational in a downtown store since 1922. The mall also initially housed Elder-Beerman and Hills, which later became Ames.
In 1999, Sears moved into the mall from the now-defunct Piqua East Mall, sparking a legal tussle as Elder-Beerman attempted to prevent Sears from opening. Despite the controversy, the Sears store opened in October of the same year. The mall also welcomed a Little Professor bookstore, marking its first bookstore.
Ames closed its store in the mall in 2000, and the space was later occupied by Steve & Barry’s in 2004. That year also saw the addition of other stores like Quiznos and CJ Banks. In 2008, the mall’s theater complex was replaced by a Cinemark complex on an outparcel. However, by the end of that year, Steve & Barry’s had closed its doors.
The mall faced more challenges in the following years. Elder-Beerman closed on August 26, 2018, due to the bankruptcy of its parent company, The Bon-Ton. Sears followed suit, closing in February 2019 after an announcement in November 2018. JCPenney was the next to go, announcing its closure on June 4, 2020, and finally shutting down in October 2020.
Before its acquisition and renaming in March 2023, the mall had seen a series of closures that left Dunham’s Sports as the only remaining anchor store. It was uncertain, with the community eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the mall’s history.
The New Vision for Piqua Centre Mall
The new ownership has ambitious plans to breathe life into this iconic space. They aim to revitalize the property through significant capital investments, focusing on tenant spaces and essential repairs. The goal isn’t just to fill vacant spaces but to create a vibrant community hub.
This revitalization isn’t just about physical upgrades; it’s about reimagining the mall as a center for entertainment, sports, and e-commerce. The owners are aligned in their values and believe in creating a “raving fan tenant culture,” a community where businesses and customers alike can thrive.
The mall’s strategic location at Highways 75 and 36 intersection offers high visibility and traffic, making it an ideal spot for this transformation. The new vision includes specialty food courts and indoor markets, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of such spaces in the region.
So, if you’re looking for things to do in Piqua, Ohio, keep an eye on the Piqua Centre Mall. Its transformation is set to make it a must-visit destination, offering diverse experiences for locals and visitors alike.
The Three Pillars of Piqua Centre Mall
The mall’s revitalization is centered around three main areas: Food & Entertainment, Retail & Boutique, and Industrial Incubator. Each pillar is designed to offer something unique to the community, making the mall a diverse and enriching space.
The Food & Entertainment area offers diverse culinary choices to satisfy many tastes. From fast food to fine dining, this area aims to be a gastronomic haven for food lovers. Entertainment options are also in the pipeline, promising various activities to keep visitors engaged.
The Retail and Boutique area is not just about shopping; it’s about offering a curated experience. Offering everything from fashion and trinkets to furnishings and gadgets, this section is designed to be your go-to spot for a complete shopping journey.
The Industrial Incubator is perhaps the most innovative of the three pillars. This section aims to provide affordable and flexible spaces for startups and small businesses, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s a nod to the mall’s commitment to being more than just a retail space; it’s a community builder.
The Unique Tenant Mix of Piqua Centre Mall
One of the standout features of the Piqua Centre Mall is its unique tenant mix. The mall houses several businesses, each adding a unique flavor to the overall experience. From sporting goods stores like Dunham’s Sports to specialized services like Family Hearing Centers.
This diverse tenant mix is beneficial for both businesses and visitors. The shared foot traffic between different stores increases visibility and potential customers for all tenants. It’s a win-win situation that fosters a supportive and cooperative community within the mall.
But it’s not just about the businesses; it’s about the experiences they offer. Stores like Shelby County Collectibles offer a nostalgic journey into the past, while the Medicare Resource Center provides invaluable resources for those navigating the complexities of healthcare plans.
American Freight, a renowned retailer specializing in mattresses, furniture, and appliances, became one of the notable tenants, adding a different dimension to the mall’s retail offerings.
So, the next time you visit, take your time to explore. Each store offers a unique experience, promising more than just a shopping trip. It’s a journey through a community brought together by a shared space, each contributing to the atmosphere of the Piqua Centre Mall.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Community engagement is at the heart of the Piqua Centre Mall’s revitalization plans. The new ownership is keen on involving the local community in shaping the mall’s future. They have been hosting open houses and actively seeking public input on various aspects of the mall’s development.
Plans for the mall are exciting and community-centric. From specialty food courts to indoor markets, the aim is to create spaces that unite people. The mall is actively seeking collaborations with local business innovators to experiment with fresh ideas and expand its presence within the complex.
In a collaborative effort with the city administration and the local chamber of commerce, the mall aims to become a cornerstone for various retail, entertainment, and commercial uses. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about building a community.
The Latest News and Developments
The Piqua Centre Mall has been making headlines recently and for all the right reasons. The mall was sold and renamed and is now under new ownership. This change has brought a wave of optimism and a fresh perspective on what the mall can offer to the community.
The new owners have proactively addressed the challenges that plagued the mall in the past. From deferred maintenance to poor communication, efforts are being made to rectify these issues and create a more inviting environment for tenants and visitors.
The economic development director of Piqua played an important role in bringing the parties together for this revitalization project. His involvement has been instrumental in shaping the mall’s new vision, which includes plans for specialty food courts inspired by successful concepts like the 2nd Street Market in Dayton.
Conclusion
The Piqua Centre Mall has come a long way since its inception in 1988. From being a bustling retail hub to facing the challenges of the digital age, it has been a rollercoaster journey. However, the mall is poised for a resurgence with new ownership and a revitalized vision.
This transformation is not just about the mall but the community it serves. From unique tenant mixes to community engagement initiatives, the Piqua Centre Mall is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a community builder.
So, the next time you find yourself in Piqua, Ohio, visit the Piqua Centre Mall. Whether you’re reminiscing about the good old days or excited about what’s to come, it’s a place that promises a unique and enriching experience for all.