The Disappearance of the American Mall

Over the past decade, the rapid rise of e-commerce has transformed how Americans shop. From everyday essentials to major purchases, consumers increasingly rely on online retailers that offer fast shipping, convenient returns and a seemingly endless selection of products. As online shopping gained popularity, many traditional shopping malls across the country began experiencing declining foot traffic and store closures.

However, the story of the American mall is not simply one of decline. Instead, many aging retail centers are evolving. Across the country and throughout metro Atlanta, developers are transforming underperforming malls into vibrant mixed-use destinations that combine shopping, dining, entertainment, residential living and office space. These redevelopment projects are breathing new life into properties that once struggled to compete in a rapidly changing retail environment.

Why Atlanta Mall Redevelopment Is Increasing

Redeveloping aging shopping centers has become an increasingly popular strategy for developers and municipalities alike. Many malls occupy large parcels of land in highly visible locations with established infrastructure and easy access to major roadways or public transportation. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for mixed-use redevelopment.

In addition, consumer preferences have shifted toward walkable destinations where people can live, work and socialize in one place. Modern redevelopment projects often introduce apartments, hotels, offices and entertainment venues alongside retail spaces. This mix of uses creates steady foot traffic throughout the day while providing experiences that online shopping cannot replicate.

For metro Atlanta, mall redevelopment represents an opportunity to revitalize existing properties while supporting long-term growth across the region.

So, what’s going on with mall redevelopment in Atlanta?  Here’s a roundup:

Cumberland Mall

Plans for redevelopment near Cumberland Mall focus on adding office towers and residential buildings to portions of the mall’s existing parking areas. The goal is to create a more connected and walkable district similar to the nearby The Battery Atlanta mixed-use development.

Another major project in the area is the proposed Cumberland Sweep, a $44 million multimodal trail designed to connect Truist Park, Cumberland Mall, The Battery Atlanta and nearby destinations. The bike and pedestrian corridor is often compared to the Atlanta Beltline, a network of multi-use trails that has reshaped walkability across the city.

Gwinnett Place Mall

Once one of the region’s busiest retail centers, Gwinnett Place Mall is undergoing a major transformation which includes redevelopment into a modern mixed-use district anchored by the future Gwinnett Place Transit Center.

The project will create a hub for rapid bus transit along Satellite Boulevard while also supporting additional mixed-use development around the property. Gwinnett County has continued acquiring portions of the property to support redevelopment, including the purchase of the former Sears site at the mall. Long-term plans for the property envision a walkable district that could include housing, retail, cultural space and transit access.

Lenox Square

Located in the heart of Buckhead, Lenox Square continues to evolve with significant upgrades and new tenants. The mall recently introduced a dramatic two-story glass façade that enhances its street presence along Peachtree Road while providing a grand entrance for visitors.

The property remains home to major department stores including Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, along with nearly 250 specialty retailers. In recent years, the mall has welcomed numerous new retail and dining concepts, reinforcing its position as one of Atlanta’s premier shopping destinations.

Mall West End

Redevelopment efforts are also underway at Mall West End on Atlanta’s west side. In October 2024, developers BRP Companies and The Prusik Group acquired the property with plans to transform it into the proposed One West End mixed-use development.

The project is expected to include approximately 1,000 residential units, 345 student housing beds, 120,000 square feet of retail space and a 150-room hotel. The redevelopment reflects growing investment in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood and aims to create a more vibrant live-work-play environment.

The Mall at Stonecrest

The Mall at Stonecrest is also embracing adaptive reuse strategies. The mall recently completed Phase II of Priví, a 143,000-square-foot redevelopment of the former Sears department store. Other planned attractions will include a food hall and entertainment offerings designed to draw visitors from across the region.

North DeKalb Mall

Demolition of the former North DeKalb Mall began in 2024, clearing the way for Lulah Hills, a large mixed-use redevelopment planned for the 73-acre site. The demolition marked a major milestone in transforming the long-vacant property. When completed, the Lulah Hills development will feature approximately 320,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, residential units, a hotel and green space. The project is also expected to connect to nearby Emory University and surrounding neighborhoods.

Phipps Plaza

Luxury shopping destination Phipps Plaza has undergone an extensive redevelopment that adds hospitality, wellness and dining experiences to the property. Recent additions include Nobu Hotel Atlanta, a new Life Time Fitness location and One Phipps Plaza, a 13-story office building. The redevelopment also introduced Citizens, a 24,000-square-foot food hall featuring several restaurant concepts from hospitality group C3.

Macon Mall

Macon Mall has taken a unique approach to redevelopment by repurposing former retail spaces for community-focused uses. The mall now features the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, which occupies the former Belk department store and includes 32 courts across two floors. Additional redevelopment efforts include the addition of government offices and an amphitheater capable of hosting large events, demonstrating how older malls can be reimagined as community gathering spaces.

The Future of Shopping Centers

While traditional enclosed malls once dominated suburban retail, the next generation of shopping destinations looks very different. Across metro Atlanta, redevelopment projects are transforming aging malls into dynamic mixed-use districts that blend housing, entertainment, dining and retail. By prioritizing experiences and community-focused spaces, these redeveloped properties are helping redefine the role of retail centers in modern cities.

To stay updated on real estate trends and events in the metro Atlanta area, visit www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com.