Early Planning and Construction
The idea for Cache Valley Mall started in 1972. Developers faced initial resistance when the Logan City Commission refused to rezone land for the mall. In response, the developers filed a lawsuit against the commission. By 1974, plans re-emerged, with John Price Associates proposing a 300,000 sq ft mall.
Construction began in 1975. The announced anchors were JCPenney, ZCMI, and Ernst-Malmo. By February 1976, additional tenants like Logan Savings and Loan, Karmelkorn, Kinney Shoes, and J.B.’s Big Boy were on board.
Ernst Home Center opened its doors on July 20, 1976, and Cache Valley Mall officially opened on July 29, 1976. The mall featured a supermarket, drug store, First Security Bank, and a three-screen Mann Theatre.
The mall’s early years involved legal, commercial, and real estate challenges, but ultimately established a new retail hub in Logan, UT. The mall’s opening provided more things to do in Logan, UT, contributing to the local economy and community activities.
Changes in Anchor Stores
Throughout the years, Cache Valley Mall saw many changes in its anchor stores. Bon Marche took over the space left by Ernst in 1979. This change helped keep the mall fresh and appealing to shoppers.
In 1988, Lamonts bought and converted Bon Marche, which introduced new offerings and attracted different customers.
In 1999, ZCMI was sold to The May Department Stores Company. By 2001, Dillard’s had taken over the ZCMI space, adding another major retailer to the mix.
Lamonts underwent another change in 2000 when Gottschalks acquired it. Unfortunately, Gottschalks closed in 2001. Dillard’s Home Store then replaced it, continuing the trend of shifting retail spaces.
By January 2013, both Dillard’s locations had closed due to underperformance. Herberger’s opened in early 2014 in the former Dillard’s space, marking Herberger’s first location in Utah.
C-A-L Ranch moved into the former Dillard’s Home Store space in 2015, revitalizing the mall.
This change introduced a different type of retailer to the mall, catering to shoppers looking for ranch and outdoor supplies. However, the mall continued to face challenges.
Herberger’s closed in 2018 as part of a larger wave of store closures during their bankruptcy. This was a tough blow for the mall, as it removed another anchor store and reduced foot traffic.
In June 2020, JCPenney announced it would close as part of a plan to shut down 154 stores nationwide. This store closed on October 18, 2020, leaving the mall without one of its original anchors.
Ownership Transitions
Cache Valley Mall’s ownership changed hands several times, which had a big impact on its development and operations.
Rouse Properties managed the mall before selling it to Namdar Realty Group in December 2017. This sale brought new plans and hopes for revitalization.
Namdar Realty Group saw potential in the mall despite the closures and challenges. They began exploring redevelopment options to breathe new life into the property.
In 2023, they announced a major redevelopment plan for the site. This plan included building a 150,000 sq ft Target store, 346 multi-family residential units, and a 156-room hotel.
These changes aimed to transform the mall into a mixed-use development. By combining retail, residential, and hotel spaces, the new project hoped to attract a broader range of visitors and residents.
This redevelopment represented a shift from the traditional mall format to a more integrated community space.
The redevelopment plans showed a commitment to adapting to new market trends and consumer needs.
This approach could help revitalize the area and provide new opportunities for businesses and residents in Logan, UT.
The mall’s closure in March 2024 marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the site.
Closure and Future Prospects
On March 31, 2024, Cache Valley Mall officially closed its doors. This marked the end of a long chapter in Logan’s retail history.
The closure followed years of declining foot traffic and the loss of key anchor stores. The final shutdown prepared the way for the new redevelopment project to begin.
Local businesses that once thrived in the mall started looking for new locations. Some relocated within Logan, while others moved to nearby areas.
The community felt the impact of the mall’s closure, but the redevelopment project offered hope for future growth.
The community has mixed feelings about the redevelopment, with some residents expressing excitement for the new amenities and others concerned about increased traffic and changes to the neighborhood’s character.
The new development aimed to provide a fresh start for the area, attracting new businesses and residents.
It promised to become a central hub once again, offering shopping, living, and hospitality options in one location.
This project reflected a shift in our thinking about retail spaces, moving towards more integrated and versatile developments.
As the redevelopment progresses, the community looks forward to seeing the transformation. The new Cache Valley Mall site has the potential to become a thriving area, contributing to Logan’s growth and offering new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.