Summit Park Mall: The Evolution of a Retail Landmark
The story of Summit Park Mall is a reflection of the broader shifts in American retail, moving from a traditional hub of department stores to a diversified entertainment and sports complex. Once a bustling center of commerce, the mall has weathered decades of economic change, bankruptcy, and ambitious redevelopment efforts.
The Golden Era and Early Transitions
In its early years, Summit Park Mall served as a primary shopping destination anchored by several major retailers. The original anchor stores included Sears and three local department stores: AM&A's, Hens & Kelly, and Jenss. Other significant tenants during this period included McCrory and Child World.
The first signs of transition appeared in 1982 when Hens & Kelly vacated their space. This area remained empty for a decade until October 1992, when Macy's opened its first closeout store—a retail format focusing on discounted inventory—in the vacancy. That same year, Child World closed, and the space was converted into a Toys "R" Us by the end of 1992.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Decline and the "The Summit" Rebranding
The mid-to-late 1990s marked a period of instability. The Macy's closeout store closed in 1995 and was never replaced. By the end of the decade, the mall faced a 40% vacancy rate, leading owners to consider converting portions of the facility into office space. The decline continued with the closure of Jenss in 1998.
In 2004, a local developer purchased the property for $5 million. At the time of purchase, the mall was 65% vacant. The developer initially planned to rename the complex Destination Niagara USA, but it was ultimately renamed The Summit. This era saw a brief resurgence with the addition of new tenants, including a children's play center in the former McCrory space, the Niagara Aerospace Museum, and a Steve & Barry's store which opened in 2005. These efforts yielded results, with mall sales increasing by 18% in 2007.
Bankruptcy and Closure
Despite the temporary boost, the mall struggled with the loss of key tenants. Toys "R" Us closed in early 2006 during a corporate reorganization, and Steve & Barry's closed in 2008. In 2008, a Save-A-Lot grocery store opened in half of the former Toys "R" Us footprint.
The crisis peaked in May 2009 when the owners, Oberlin Plaza One, filed for bankruptcy protection and announced a closure date of June 6. While the U.S. Bankruptcy Court extended the deadline, most of the remaining 25 tenants relocated. By August 2009, only Sears, The Bon-Ton, and Save-A-Lot remained operational.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Modern Redevelopment and Diversification
Following a period of dormancy and a 2013 vandalism incident that left the building flooded with six inches of water, the mall was purchased by Zoran Cocov in March 2014 for $4.2 million. Cocov sought to transform the retail space into a multi-use destination, receiving $700,000 in tax breaks over five years for renovations.
The vision for the site expanded to include a business incubator, wine tasting center, museums, a sportsplex, and a brewery project announced in 2016. The final remnants of traditional retail vanished in 2018 when both Sears and The Bon-Ton held liquidation sales, officially ending the mall's life as a retail complex.
Today, the site is transitioning into the Niagara International Sports and Entertainment Center. While some site revision complications have delayed certain plans, the facility currently hosts several active ventures, including Niagara International Sports & Entertainment, 7 Gates Screampark, and Play University.
Key Facts
- Original Anchors: Sears, AM&A's, Hens & Kelly, and Jenss.
- 2004 Purchase Price: $5 million.
- 2014 Purchase Price: $4.2 million.
- Tax Incentives: $700,000 in tax breaks provided for renovations starting in 2014.
- Current Status: Transitioned from retail to a sports and entertainment hub.
| Period/Year | Key Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 - 1992 | Hens & Kelly Vacancy | Space remained empty for 10 years. |
| 1992 | Macy's & Toys "R" Us | Introduction of closeout and toy anchors. |
| 2004 | Ownership Change | Renamed "The Summit"; 65% vacancy. |
| 2009 | Bankruptcy | Oberlin Plaza One filed for protection; most tenants left. |
| 2014 | Zoran Cocov Purchase | Shift toward museums, sports, and business incubation. |
| 2018 | Final Liquidations | Sears and Bon-Ton closed; retail operations ceased. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the original anchor stores?
The original anchors experienced various fates: Hens & Kelly left in 1982, Jenss closed in 1998, and AM&A's was bought by The Bon-Ton in 1995. Both Sears and The Bon-Ton finally ceased operations in 2018.
Why did the mall close in 2009?
The mall's owners, Oberlin Plaza One, filed for bankruptcy protection, leading to the announcement of the mall's closure on June 6, 2009.
Who owns the mall now and what are the plans for it?
Zoran Cocov purchased the mall in 2014. His plan is to revive the space as a multi-use complex featuring a sportsplex, museums, a wine tasting center, and a business incubator.
What is currently operating at the former mall site?
The site now hosts the Niagara International Sports & Entertainment center, 7 Gates Screampark, and Play University, among other entities.
Was the mall ever successful after its 2004 rebranding?
There was a brief period of success after being renamed The Summit, with sales increasing by 18% in 2007, though this was followed by further tenant closures and eventual bankruptcy.