downtown shopping centers will remain under their original ownership. MacArthur Center’s Regal Cinemas also has no intention to close and Washington explained that two new businesses are opening up in the mall.
Since the pandemic however, there’s been a decline in in-person shopping. Washington spoke on the potential change in need for shopping centers.
“Do we actually build or look to see if the mall can be redeveloped into some sort of residential mix,” Washington said.
Washington continued stating that a residential mix would, “bring more individuals and families to downtown and it’d actually support the shopping centers that are already here,” Washington said.
Doing this would help complete the ‘new development’ focus point of the 2030 plan.
Washington highlights that his team and other stakeholders have been doing research to see what will be best for the future of Downtown Norfolk.
“We’re really trying to figure out what is going to be the best possible mix and end game for our community at large,” Washington said.
---The Economic Development Authority announced in August 2022 that the mall would be closed and be prepared for demolition.
Within its 52 years of standing, Military Circle Mall became a home for small businesses. However, with the mall being around for so long– it had been facing a series of issues.
The main problems were with the structure of the mall. Director of Economic Authority, Sean Washington, said, “Due to the 15 year old assets, roof repairing could no longer take place. A full blown replacement of the roof had to take place for it to be up to code,” Washington continued.
All together the cost is estimated to be about $5 to $8 million. The air conditioning units have also been causing problems. “One of them was completely down, and that particular AC unit was over 40 years old and the secondaryone was on its last leg,” Washington said.
Ultimately, the issues had led to financial hardships that were out of the Economic Development.
Authority board’s hands. “Some of those quotes that we got were anywhere from about a million dollars to about two million dollars.” This called for all of the businesses to either shut down or relocate.
African Art Bookstore owner Maria Hewitt expressed that with limited space for African stores in Hampton Roads, it will be difficult to relocate.
Hewitt also highlighted the near future goals for the store. “We have to figure out how to move our whole store. I want our whole store clear before we move.”
Washington is aware this is stressful for store owners. He notes how they plan on helping the current business owners continue to be successful.
“We’ve done a 50% rent abatement for those who stayed till the end of January 31 of the New Year.”
Washington also mentions how they planned on giving a cash bonus to those who have been working in the mall for a certain amount of years.
“If you put in a significant amount of what we call tenant improvement into your space, we’ll look to rebate part of that back to you as well,” Washington said.
Hewitt plans for relocation, “We have our chins up, heads up, and just go on and keep moving forward.”
Road to Pasadena continued
Local News
15
Military Circle Mall says goodbye to
Norfolk
Continued on page 20
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