Rolling Acres Mall

Rolling Acres Mall
UA757 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Rolling Acres Mall
Location	Akron, Ohio, United States
Opening date	1975
Closing date	2008 (mall), 2020 (demolition)
Developer	Forest City Enterprises
Owner	City of Akron (post-closure)
Floors	1–2

Rolling Acres Mall Rolling Acres Mall was a regional shopping center in Akron, Ohio, United States. Opened in 1975 by Forest City Enterprises, it became a focal point for retail in Summit County, Ohio during the late 20th century before experiencing decline in the 1990s and 2000s that led to closure. The site later became the subject of redevelopment debates involving local government, private developers, and community organizations.

History

The mall was developed during an era of American suburban expansion associated with projects by Forest City Enterprises, comparable to developments near I-76 corridors and suburban centers like Belden Village Mall and SouthPark Mall. Early tenants followed national retail trends exemplified by anchors such as JCPenney, Sears, and Montgomery Ward, reflecting patterns seen in malls developed by companies like Taubman Centers and Simon Property Group. In the 1980s, management changes and regional competition from properties such as Summit Mall and the revitalization of Akron Fulton International Airport trade routes affected foot traffic. The 1990s brought economic shifts similar to those that affected malls in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and rust-belt cities like Youngstown, Ohio and Toledo, Ohio. Community responses involved local officials from the City of Akron and county planners from Summit County, Ohio.

Architecture and Layout

The mall's architecture reflected suburban mall design trends seen at malls like Kings Island Mall and structures developed by firms working on projects for General Growth Properties. It comprised a single-level clerestory with two-level anchor spaces similar to configurations at Belden Village Mall and Great Lakes Mall. Interior finishes originally included tiled promenades, skylights, and a food court modeled on food courts at centers such as Roosevelt Field Mall and SouthPark Mall (Charlotte). Parking lots were laid out in large surface fields with access tied to arterials linking to Interstate 77 and Interstate 271, mirroring suburban access patterns common to developments near Akron–Canton Airport.

Tenants and Retail History

Anchor and inline tenants reflected national chains and regional operators including JCPenney, Sears, Montgomery Ward, Elder-Beerman, and specialty stores similar to Gap Inc. and The Limited. Entertainment venues and service tenants paralleled offerings at other malls like Rolling Meadows Mall and suburban centers operated by Burlington Stores and Lowe's Companies, Inc. Some spaces hosted local businesses connected to Akron-area institutions such as University of Akron student markets and satellite services tied to Akron General Medical Center outreach. Seasonal events collaborated with organizations like Akron Civic Theatre and local chapters of Rotary International.

Decline and Closure

The mall's decline followed patterns witnessed at malls across the Rust Belt, influenced by nationwide retail consolidation led by companies like Sears Holdings and Federated Department Stores and the bankruptcy of chains such as Montgomery Ward. Competition from newer shopping centers developed by CBL Properties and shifts toward e-commerce platforms exemplified by Amazon accelerated vacancy. Local economic factors echoed trends in Summit County, Ohio manufacturing declines and demographic shifts similar to those documented in Youngstown, Ohio and Cleveland, Ohio. By the 2000s, municipal officials from the City of Akron and property managers negotiated closures, with full retail operations ceasing amid negotiations involving U.S. Bankruptcy Court cases affecting national chains. The site remained largely vacant after major anchors departed, culminating in official closure announcements and subsequent municipal acquisition discussions.

Redevelopment and Current Status

Post-closure, redevelopment proposals included adaptive reuse ideas similar to projects undertaken at former mall sites such as the transformation of Belmar and The Plant. Stakeholders included the City of Akron, private developers, and community groups seeking mixed-use redevelopment with elements comparable to projects near Akron Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District facilities and transit improvements tied to METRO RTA corridors. Environmental assessments and demolition efforts involved contractors with precedents in large-scale site remediation observed in conversions like Hudson's site and brownfield projects funded through programs administered by entities like U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Portions of the property were demolished in phases leading up to site clearance in 2020, and plans considered industrial, logistics, and community-oriented uses resembling developments by Prologis and Amazon distribution strategies, alongside local employment initiatives tied to JobsOhio programs. The parcel remains under periodic redevelopment consideration by the City of Akron and private investors, reflecting ongoing efforts to repurpose former retail footprints across Ohio and Midwestern metropolitan regions.

Category:Shopping malls in Ohio Category:Buildings and structures in Akron, Ohio