Early Beginnings
Cloverleaf Mall opened in 1972. Leonard Farber developed it, and Carneal and Johnston served as architects. The mall was located in Chesterfield County, near Richmond, Virginia, on U.S. Route 60. J. C. Penney and Sears were the first anchor stores. The next year, Thalhimers joined as the third anchor. The mall also featured a two-screen movie theater.
In its initial years, Cloverleaf Mall attracted many shoppers. The mall’s design and location contributed to its early success. It quickly became a retail hub in the region. During the 1970s, Cloverleaf Mall saw a steady influx of businesses, including retailers and small shops. This period marked the mall’s growth as a premier shopping destination in Chesterfield County.
Peak Years
Cloverleaf Mall thrived in the 1970s and 1980s, marking its peak as a shopping destination. In the 1980s, major renovations occurred, and Thalhimers added a second floor, enhancing its presence.
The original two-screen theater moved to a standalone building behind the mall, and the vacated space became a bustling food court.
During these decades, the mall’s retail mix expanded. New stores and services attracted more customers. The mall hosted events and promotions, drawing crowds from across Chesterfield County and Richmond. Many remember this time as the mall’s golden years, with busy weekends and a lively atmosphere.
Several well-known brands opened outlets in Cloverleaf Mall. Stores like Kay-Bee Toys, B. Dalton Bookseller, and Waldenbooks became favorites among shoppers. The food court introduced popular chains like Chick-fil-A and Sbarro, adding to the mall’s appeal.
Cloverleaf Mall played a central role in the community. It wasn’t just a place to shop; it was where people gathered. Families spent weekends there, teenagers hung out, and local groups held meetings. This strong community presence helped the mall maintain its popularity for many years.
Signs of Decline
The 1990s brought challenges for Cloverleaf Mall. Changes in the surrounding neighborhoods began to impact the mall’s business.
Customers started feeling unsafe due to the behavior of some of the youth who frequented the mall. Incidents like the 1996 unsolved double murder at a dollar store heightened these concerns.
Competition from nearby Chesterfield Towne Center also hurt Cloverleaf Mall. Chesterfield Towne Center underwent a major renovation, attracting retailers and shoppers. This newer, safer, and bigger mall drew customers away from Cloverleaf.
Anchor stores began to leave Cloverleaf Mall. In 2000, J. C. Penney moved to Chesterfield Towne Center. Regal Cinemas closed the theater in 2001. By 2003, Sears and Hecht’s (formerly Thalhimers) had also relocated. These departures marked a turning point in the mall’s decline.
Development trends shifted westward away from Cloverleaf. New retail complexes and residential areas emerged, drawing businesses and residents away. The once-thriving Cloverleaf Mall started losing its status as a premier shopping destination.
Final Years
By the mid-2000s, Cloverleaf Mall’s decline was evident. In 2005, a local church proposed buying the mall to create a multi-purpose facility. The plan included turning one of the former anchors into a sanctuary with about 5,000 seats.
Chesterfield County rejected the church’s proposal and instead purchased the mall themselves. The county’s involvement hinted at redevelopment plans. However, no immediate changes followed, and the mall continued to languish.
In 2008, Cloverleaf Mall finally closed its doors. The closure marked the end of an era. For many, it was the last chapter in the mall’s storied history. Businesses had moved out, and the once-vibrant shopping center now stood empty.
Demolition and Redevelopment
In 2011, Cloverleaf Mall was demolished. The county decided to replace the aging structure with a modern development. Stonebridge, a mixed-use project, started to take shape on the old mall site. The only buildings left standing were the Firestone auto care center and a Bank of America branch.
Stonebridge brought new life to the area. The project featured the first Kroger Marketplace in Virginia. This large grocery store became a central feature, drawing shoppers back to the location. Stonebridge also included various retail stores, restaurants, and residential units.
The new development aimed to meet the changing needs of the community. Mixed-use spaces became popular, combining shopping, dining, and living areas. This approach attracted a diverse group of people and businesses, making the area vibrant again.
The transformation from Cloverleaf Mall to Stonebridge represented a broader trend in retail and urban planning. Many older malls across the country faced similar fates. Redevelopments like Stonebridge showed how to adapt to new economic and social realities.
Legacy and Impact
Cloverleaf Mall holds a special place in many memories. During its peak, it served as a community hub. People remember shopping trips, movie outings, and social gatherings. The mall played a crucial role in local life for decades.
Even though the mall is gone, its story continues through Stonebridge. The new development carries forward the spirit of renewal and adaptation. It shows how communities can evolve and repurpose old spaces for new uses.
Things to do in Richmond, VA, now include visiting the revitalized Stonebridge area. This area offers shopping, dining, and residential opportunities, continuing the legacy of Cloverleaf Mall in a modern context.
The Unresolved Double Murder at Cloverleaf Mall
In November 1996, Cloverleaf Mall became the site of a brutal double murder that remains unsolved to this day.
Cheryl Edwards and Charlita Singleton, two employees at a dollar store in the mall, were found stabbed to death in the store’s back office. This violent act shocked the community and marked the beginning of a steep decline for the mall.
The investigation faced many challenges from the start. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, including scouring the mall and surrounding areas for evidence, no concrete leads emerged.
The police continued to stumble, with every potential clue failing to provide the necessary evidence to solve the case. This lack of progress frustrated the families and kept the tragic event in the public’s mind.
The double murder significantly impacted the community’s perception of Cloverleaf Mall. The already declining mall saw an accelerated loss of tenants and customers.
People viewed the mall as unsafe, and this reputation was difficult to shake. The murders became a symbol of the mall’s problems, overshadowing its past as a bustling retail hub.
In 2004, investigators believed they had found new leads, sparking hope that the case might finally be solved. However, these leads did not lead to any breakthroughs.
Despite the demolition of Cloverleaf Mall and the rise of the Stonebridge development, the memory of the double murder lingers. The case remains open, with law enforcement periodically reviewing it in the hope that new technology or information might lead to a breakthrough.
The lack of closure continues to affect the victims’ families and serves as a reminder of the darker moments in the mall’s history.
As Stonebridge thrives in the former mall’s place, the shadow of this unsolved case continues to remind residents of the importance of seeking justice and remembering those lost.
There is a tragic unsolved hit n run killing of a young woman in Hampton, VA that I would love to see Spencer Walsh to a story on. His attention might bring renewed interest to the case that could contribute to seeing the matter solved,
I appreciate your comment. The case of young woman, who was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Mercury Boulevard, remains unsolved. The police have identified the suspect vehicle as a red Ford Fusion with damage to the front passenger side. Although our site primary focus is on attractions, I understand the impact of such stories. Raising awareness can indeed make a difference.
I ask everyone reading this article to watch the WAVY TV 10 report and help investigate if they know anything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZGE_WlQfPU
There was also the disappearance of a young woman from the mall. Earlier than this I believe. It was never solved & I believe she was never found.
I believe the closing of most malls in the Richmond area was due in part to the elements that began hanging out & scaring shoppers away.
The disappearance of the young woman from Cloverleaf Mall is a somber reminder of safety concerns that affect public spaces. Incidents like these can certainly influence the perception and usage of malls. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.