Origins and Development
The Mall at Fairfield Commons opened on October 27, 1993, and was developed by Glimcher Realty Trust. The mall is in Beavercreek, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton. The location near Wright State University and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base boosts its commercial appeal.
The initial anchor stores included Elder-Beerman, Parisian, Sears, and J.C. Penney. Elder-Beerman occupied 150,800 square feet, Parisian took up 130,000 square feet, Sears covered 128,000 square feet, and J.C. Penney had 126,000 square feet. This mix of anchors provided a diverse range of shopping options from the start.
Glimcher Realty Trust planned the mall with a unique layout. This layout allows J.C. Penney to have two sets of public entrances on both floors, making navigation straightforward for shoppers. Customers can access any part of the mall without passing through J.C. Penney, a strategic design choice that enhances customer flow.
Located adjacent to Interstate 675, the mall benefits from high visibility and accessibility. Nearby attractions like a golf course, the Nutter Center, and other retail complexes add to the area’s draw. The mall’s proximity to these attractions makes it a key destination for things to do near Dayton, Ohio. The Mall at Fairfield Commons continues to serve as a central shopping hub, adapting to changes in the retail landscape over the years.
Architectural Layout and Features
I find the design of The Mall at Fairfield Commons quite practical. It has two floors, offering a wide range of shopping and dining options.
The layout connects two straight concourses with a diagonal one, making it easy to navigate. This thoughtful design means you can reach any part of the mall without backtracking.
The mall features over 110 stores. Some major ones include Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Morris Home Furniture.
Macy’s took over the Lazarus space in 2005, Dick’s Sporting Goods opened in 2004, and Morris Home Furniture in 2020. These stores anchor the mall, providing diverse shopping options.
The food court, located on the upper level, adds to the convenience. You’ll find various dining choices, from fast food to sit-down restaurants. The food court’s central location makes it a perfect spot to take a break during a shopping trip.
Public transit access is another highlight. The RTA serves the mall, making it easy to visit without a car. This accessibility broadens the mall’s appeal, attracting shoppers from a wider area.
The combination of a thoughtful layout, a variety of stores, and convenient features makes The Mall at Fairfield Commons a key retail destination.
Expansion and Modifications
The Mall at Fairfield Commons has continually evolved since its opening. One of the first major expansions was adding Lazarus in September 1994, almost a year after the mall opened.
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Federated Department Stores’ bankruptcy reorganization delayed this store’s opening.
In 2004, Dick’s Sporting Goods joined the mall, adding 85,500 square feet of retail space. This store’s upper-level entrance, adjacent to the food court, made it a prominent addition. It diversified the mall’s offerings, drawing sports enthusiasts.
In 2007, Bon-Ton Stores, owner of Elder-Beerman, rebranded the Parisian store as another Elder-Beerman location. This store housed women’s clothing, cosmetics, shoes, and accessories.
The original Elder-Beerman location was remodeled to include men’s, children’s, and home departments, along with a new furniture gallery on the lower level.
In 2014, Elder-Beerman consolidated its two locations back into the original space, ending the use of the additional location. This consolidation made way for the demolition of part of the mall in early 2015.
Between late 2015 and 2018, the demolished area was replaced by six new restaurants, including BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse and Flyboy’s Deli. This ongoing adaptation shows the mall’s commitment to staying current with retail and dining trends.
Retail Changes and Economic Shifts
Retail changes at The Mall at Fairfield Commons have been frequent. Elder-Beerman, one of the original anchors, closed on August 29, 2018.
The Bon-Ton Stores, its parent company, declared bankruptcy. This closure left a large space vacant, prompting new opportunities.
Sears, another original anchor, also faced closure. On September 18, 2018, Sears announced it would shut down.
The store officially closed on December 9, 2018. The closing of these anchors marked a turning point for the mall, reflecting broader retail trends.
Round 1 Entertainment moved into the lower level of the former Sears space on November 23, 2019. This addition brought a new dynamic, offering arcade games, bowling, and karaoke.
The change aimed to attract a different crowd, focusing on entertainment rather than traditional retail.
Morris Home Furniture opened in the upper level of the former Sears store in 2020. Initially, The RoomPlace was supposed to occupy this space, but those plans fell through.
Morris Home Furniture’s entry added a fresh retail option, specializing in home furnishings. These shifts show how the mall adapts to changes in the retail landscape, seeking new ways to draw visitors.
Non-Retail Uses and Community Engagement
The mall has adapted by welcoming new types of tenants. Round 1 Entertainment opened in November 2019, bringing arcade games and bowling to the former Sears space. This move aimed to attract families and younger crowds looking for activities beyond shopping.
The Mall at Fairfield Commons incorporated non-retail uses to diversify its offerings. Mosaic Church moved into the former Elder-Beerman space in January 2021.
They occupied approximately 75,000 square feet on the upper level, providing a new community space.
Plans emerged to convert the former Elder-Beerman building into office and laboratory space. Announced on June 4, 2021, Synergy & Mills Development partnered with Washington Prime Group for this project.
They aimed to attract defense contractors due to the proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Although the project had not proceeded, it highlighted the mall’s effort to repurpose vacant spaces creatively.
In January and February 2022, the mall hosted “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition.”
This traveling art exhibit reproduced the famous frescos, offering a unique cultural experience. It occupied the upper level of the former Elder-Beerman store, drawing art enthusiasts to the mall.
Future Prospects and Developments
Looking ahead, The Mall at Fairfield Commons continues to evolve. In February 2024, plans emerged for a new Dick’s House of Sport in the former Elder-Beerman store.
This facility will feature climbing walls, golf simulators, and an outdoor turf field. These additions aim to create an interactive shopping experience, blending retail with sports and recreation.
MINISO, a popular retailer known for its variety of affordable products, will open a new store at the mall in the summer of 2024.
Occupying a 2,250 sq ft space, MINISO’s arrival is anticipated to draw in a younger demographic looking for trendy and budget-friendly items.
A major hotel project near The Mall at Fairfield Commons broke ground in December 2023. This multimillion-dollar development at the parking space near the former Sears aims to attract more visitors to the area and provide convenient lodging options for shoppers and business travelers.
A new hotel project at The Mall at Fairfield Commons will feature two Marriott brands: Fairfield Inn & Suites and Towneplace Suites.
This development will offer a blend of amenities catering to both short-term and extended-stay guests. The project will result in a 4-story building encompassing over 90,000 square feet.
In my view, The Mall at Fairfield Commons will continue adapting to stay relevant. By embracing new retail trends, incorporating community spaces, and hosting engaging events, the mall aims to remain a central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Beavercreek, Ohio.