FOREST ACRES, S.C. — The demolition of the Richland Mall has begun, as crews clear the old buildings to make way for a massive new development that will transform that part of Forest Acres over the next decade or so.
As city leaders and onlookers stood by, an excavator began the work of tearing down the first of the old structures on the property. That work started at the location of the former Parisian department store on the Forest Drive site of the mall. First, crews tore down the glass at the entrance of the building, and after pausing for about 20 minutes, began the work of tearing off the bricks on the side of the structure.
After years of speculation, in November of 2022 it was announced that the property would finally be torn down and redeveloped.
Those who attended the Mall's teardown say it brings back memories of the past, "The fashion shows they had, the back to school bash, all the events they had, it was more than a mall," says Tylecia Battle.
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The demolition is expected to take a year to complete on the 32-acre site -- there is an estimated 930,000 square feet of concrete to move -- and culminates a 20 year wait for redevelopment of the site.
"20 years ago this was a thriving mall, filled with businesses and residents and those from all over the midlands coming here to visit, but over the last 20 years we've seen a decline in what the mall meant," adds Mayor Tom Andrews.
Southeastern Development is behind the $100 million project which, when completed, will feature a mix of apartments, businesses including a grocery store and brewery, and a six-acre green space to host gatherings, events and concerts.
Richland Mall was constructed in 1960 as an open air mall anchored by JB White department store and a grocery store. Some of the shops in the 1960s to early 1970s included Happy Bookseller, Woolworths, Hickory Farms and Russell Stover's Chocolates.
Gallery: Richland Mall over the Years
Richland Mall in photos
The mall was redeveloped in 1988 as a modern, two-level shopping Richland Fashion Mall with Bonwit-Teller, Parisian, Belk, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers as the anchors. Belk and Barnes & Noble were the last tenants to remain, with Belk closing in September 2023 and Barnes & Noble closing in December 2023. At one time there were plans to bring Belk back once the redevelopment began, but Belk announced last year they would not return. Barnes & Noble moved to a new location at the Shoppes at Woodhill on Garners Ferry Road.
