Metrocenter sold; improvements to come (Jackson, Madison: 2014, crime, neighborhood)

[golden eagles fan]

I truly hope this will be the catalyst to seriously rehab the mall.

Metrocenter Mall sold; improvements planned | Local News - Home

[GrandviewGloria]

Yes! Now's the time to spring into action, and implement my MetroCenter PAWN MALL initiative.

[madison2013]

Originally Posted by GrandviewGloria

Yes! Now's the time to spring into action, and implement my MetroCenter PAWN MALL initiative.

You're not funny

[sammyreynolds1977]

You still can't change the location. Crime there is horrible.

[golden eagles fan]

Originally Posted by madison2013

You're not funny

Second that.

[JackFive]

sammyreynolds what crime, show me some crime stats for the mall in the last six months? The mall has a police precinct on the inside, please sir show me crime stats, the building is almost empty! What crime, smh

[Popquez87]

I wonder what they can do with Metrocenter. Before the Outlets of Mississippi, I actually envisioned it becoming an outlet mall similar to Opry Mills in Nashville. They say they want to focus on mid and big box retailers; well, I've always imagined a Target would work near Metrocenter or as an anchor in the mall. I also think focusing on budget retailers like Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, etc, would work. Apparently the zoning for the area doesn't allow movie theaters or certain types of entertainment venues. I would love to see a Magic Johnson (IMAX) Theater (as I believe the MJ brand is the only theater that would realistically choose to be in the area). I also think IMAX could be a huge draw since I can't think of an IMAX screen in the Jackson metro.

IF you allow me to dream for just a second, I always imagined a Dave and Buster's should be on Highway 80/Metrocenter area, as well. We're obviously not there yet, but I would love to see one if these improvements come to fruition. Right now, I'm cautiously optimistic.

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

I remember when the Metrocenter opened in the late 1970s. It took business away from the Jackson Mall on Woodrow Wilson, which hung around until being repurposed as a medical center. One of the department stores in the Metrocenter even had a restaurant (Widow Watson's), which was considered a cool thing at the time. At the time, west Jackson was considered a booming area, but soon the "booming" shifted northeast across the Madison County line, which is where Northpark Mall opened in 1984. It is not unusual for the changing demographics in a neighborhood to cause the decline of a mall. An ever more spectacular example of decline happened with the Mall of Memphis.

[madison2013]

Originally Posted by JackFive

sammyreynolds what crime, show me some crime stats for the mall in the last six months? The mall has a police precinct on the inside, please sir show me crime stats, the building is almost empty! What crime, smh

Why don't you post some crime stats?

[Popquez87]

Can Metrocenter rise from the ashes? Again - Mississippi Business JournalMississippi Business Journal

This article makes me a tad more optimistic about the new ownership at Metrocenter.

"The Kansas developers have redone distressed retail centers in nine states and see an opportunity to position the mall and the nearly 90 acres on which it sits as both a local draw with frequent visits from nearby Southwest Jackson residents and periodic visits from shoppers living farther away."

There are also in talks with the Mayor and the JRA, according to the article, and are look at ways to finance improvements both to the interior and exterior of the mall. The representative also spoke of talking to local restaurants to locate in the food court.

I really hope this gives Metrocenter and West Jackson the boost it needs.