Part 1: How a Dying Mid-Century Mall Found New Life

Nothing says “urban sprawl” like an isolated, car‑dependent shopping mall. Many of these low‑density sites are in decline but redevelopment is underway. Like several of our 12 Steps to Town Making success stories, new approaches are transforming how we use these old properties. The solution is to redesign malls for transit access, introduce mixed uses, reduce parking, and add infill that reconnects retail to compact, walkable neighborhoods.

“Stores cycled in and out. Renovation plans sputtered. The hard truth became impossible to ignore: Glendale would never return to its mid-century heyday.” -Asia Mieleszko, Strong Towns

This article by Asia Mieleszko describes how one mall, in particular, is serving as inspiration for redeveloping our dying shopping centers. While memories of running amok in our teenage years at the local mall—flipping through music store bins and maybe grabbing one of those giant soft pretzels—will live with us forever, there comes a time when we must adapt to the times for the greater good of our community! That’s what we’re all about here at NEVO! Check the article out here!

Keep an eye out for part 2 of this blog post, coming soon!

Sam Goody music stores—they seemed to be in every mall in America!

Photo- bestlifeonline.com