By 1812Blockhouse
How would you like to own your very own mall?
Richland Mall, a staple of retailing in Richland County since it opened in 1969, is for sale – the non-Avita Ontario portion, that is. The structure and its adjacent parking lots is being offered by Calabasas, California-based commercial real estate firm Marcus & Millichap.
According to the firm’s website, the available space is 427,461 square feet in size with a total of 69 tenant spaces, and sits on 19.62 acres. The current occupancy rate at the mall is 39.85%, the listing states (the full listing can be accessed here).
The asking price is $3,875,000.
The history of Richland Mall is a tapestry of commercial evolution, community engagement, and architectural innovation.
The Beginning: A Vision Takes Shape
- Announced in 1966: The announcement set the stage for a new era in shopping and social interaction in Mansfield.
- Groundbreaking in Spring 1968: This event marked the commencement of construction, building anticipation in the community.
- Grand Opening on October 22, 1969: Coinciding with Mansfield’s first snowfall of the year, the mall opened its doors, introducing a new shopping experience to the region.
Architectural and Retail Highlights
Original Structure: Spanning 64 acres, the mall initially housed 37 stores, including major anchors like Lazarus, Sears, and O’Neils, along with a diverse mix of retailers such as Hanover Shoes, Walden Books, and F.W. Woolworth.
Unique Design Features: The central atrium was a spectacle, featuring a large pool with colored liquids, lighted rocks, caves, and a striking copper sculpture.
Grand Opening Sales: The mall buzzed with excitement, offering deals like wool worsted suits for $67.50 and men’s dress shirts at $1.88.
Growth and Employment
- Employment and Parking: Initially providing 1,500 jobs and accommodating 5,000 parking spaces, the mall was a significant economic contributor for decades.
- 1997 Expansion: Adding JCPenney and 108,000 square feet of retail space, the expansion further solidified the mall’s role as a central shopping destination.
Further north on Lexington-Springmill, another building is being offered by the same real estate company. The Vitamin Shoppe building at 771 N Lexington-Springmill Rd is listed for $2,315,000, The property current has an absolute triple-net lease with four years remaining.
Image: Creative Commons License
