The Heyday of Richland Mall

A Shopping Haven in the ‘60s

Richland Mall opened on November 2, 1961, as Columbia’s first shopping mall. An open-air setup anchored by J.B. White and a grocery store, it was the go-to spot for Forest Acres locals, offering shops like Woolworth’s and Russell Stover’s Chocolates.

The ‘80s Glow-Up

In the 1980s, the mall became an enclosed, two-level Richland Fashion Mall with anchors like Parisian, Bonwit Teller, Belk, and Barnes & Noble. It hosted fashion shows and community events, making it a vibrant hub.

The Slow Decline

Losing Its Spark

By the late ‘90s, major stores like Dillard’s (2003) and Parisian (2007) closed. Failed redevelopment attempts, like Midtown at Forest Acres, and the 2008 recession hurt the mall. Smaller tenants like a ping-pong club couldn’t revive it.

The Final Blow

The mall’s interior closed in 2022. Belk left in September 2023, Barnes & Noble in December 2023, and Columbia Children’s Theatre in February 2023. The 930,000-square-foot mall sat abandoned until demolition began.

The Demolition: A New Beginning

Saying Goodbye to the Old

Demolition started March 20, 2024, with the Parisian entrance as the first to go. A year-long process, it faced minor setbacks like a July 2024 fire but is set to finish by March 2025. A 1961 time capsule was found and relocated to a park for 2033 reopening.

Why It Had to Go

The outdated mall couldn’t compete with online shopping or newer centers like Columbiana. Its prime location demanded a modern redevelopment to meet current needs.

The Future: A New City Center

A Mixed-Use Makeover

Southeastern Development bought the 32-acre site for $18.6 million in 2023. Their $100 million plan includes a 100,000-square-foot grocery store, 500+ apartments, 50,000 square feet of retail/restaurants, and a 6-acre park with an amphitheater and farmer’s market space.

A Community-First Vision

Mayor Thomas Andrews envisions a “city center” for Forest Acres and the Midlands. Phase one, including the grocery store and park, will take 4-5 years. Public input is shaping the project via meetings and surveys.

Why This Matters

A Boost for Forest Acres

The redevelopment will create jobs, attract businesses, and boost the economy. With less retail space (215,000 square feet vs. 931,000), traffic concerns are minimized.

A Nod to the Past, A Leap to the Future

The project honors the mall’s community legacy while introducing modern amenities, blending nostalgia with progress.

What’s Next?

Demolition nears completion in 2025, with phase one plans taking shape. The park’s design promises a vibrant community space. Forest Acres residents can stay updated and share input to shape this exciting new chapter.

Sources:

• Post and Courier
• The State
• WLTX
• WIS News
• Daily Gamecock