MILWAUKEE — The decline of traditional shopping malls has been a notable trend over the past 10 years, as online shopping becomes increasingly popular.
Northridge Mall is a prime example of that. The shopping center on Milwaukee’s far north side closed more than 20 years ago and has sat vacant ever since. After a long legal battle with the mall’s former owner, the City of Milwaukee gained control of the property earlier this year and has started the beginning steps of demolition.
At a Town Hall meeting at Vincent High School Monday night, community members were able to share what they believe should replace Northridge once it is demolished.
Victor Thomas was one of those in attendance. He said he remembers the golden years of Northridge Mall.
“Places like Boston Store, Gimbels and other places and a movie theater because I watched ‘The Color Purple’ at the movie theater one time up there with my family and I remember those days and when you see all those other malls still here and Northridge is not it feels kind of sad,” Thomas said.
Thomas said over the years it transformed into a far different place than when he was a kid.
He and many others got the chance to share their hopes for the future of the former Northridge Mall site. Some ideas shared for redevelopment of the area included affordable housing, retail, restaurants and green space.
Lin Sawyer also lives nearby. Sawyer said she wants the community to grow but can’t help but feeling frustrated. She said the city is taking too long to consider ideas.
“There isn’t even any work done on this yet. I expected a lot more than what’s going on,” Sawyer said.
Ald. Larresa Taylor represents the area at 76th and Brown Deer Road where the former mall is located.
“When I began to see the mall coming down it was a relief, that you can exhale because now this is just the beginning of what could be a tremendous impact on our district,” Taylor said.