Director of Planning City of Chesterfield Plng Dept Chesterfield, MO
There are estimates that 25% of America’s roughly 1,000 malls will close soon, continuing a trend of recent mall closures. A vacant mall leaves a significant void in a local community's fabric – socially, visually, and economically. Moreover, managing the expectations of residents for redevelopment can often be unrealistic (for instance, the desire for a Trader Joe's).
Mall redevelopment isn't one-size-fits-all. In this session, we will highlight the transformation of two malls in the St. Louis region, each headed for different outcomes. One is being redeveloped into a mixed-use space, featuring residential and office units. The other is set to become an expansion hub for the thriving regional ag-tech sector. Throughout the session, we will delve into the complexities of navigating the political landscape surrounding mall redevelopment, addressing property-related challenges, and, most crucially, aligning with resident expectations and their vision for these former malls.
Inclusive and equitable planning played a pivotal role in the Jamestown Mall redevelopment process, especially considering that the racially and economically diverse community (53% Black population) strongly opposed an earlier redevelopment proposal for a logistics center. This session will spotlight engagement that successfully regained community trust and fostered consensus in support of the proposed plan recommendations.
