[74] The mall was finally closed on December 2, 2022 after city of Forest Park fire department closed all remaining businesses (except Bass Pro Shops and Kohl's) due to a number of fire code violations. The only thing that will save this once vibrant mall is a liquor license and strip poles. This was the first of three stores opened that year upon the chain's entry into the Cincinnati market. Mills Corporation renamed the property to Cincinnati Mills in 2002 and renovated the mall once more in August 2004. Why would they open a new one when they can just use the old one it is a very nice on its so dumb. These rumors have not been confirmed as of yet. [22] Liquidation sales began in August 1990 at Forest Fair's locations of all three department stores. Forest Fair Mall 600 Cincinnati Mills Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45240 (513) 671-2882 Contacts General information Reviews Compliment this business High quality 0 Good service 0 Polite staff 0 Wide selection 0 Contacts Street address: 600 Cincinnati Mills Dr. City / suburb: Cincinnati County: Hamilton State: Ohio ZIP code: 45240 Phone: (513) 671-2882 Forest Fair Village's businesses have been forced to halt operations after multiple public safety concerns were discovered in the mall during an inspection, according to Forest Park city. Formerly known as Forest Fair Mall, Cincinnati Mall, Cincinnati Mills. I remember the first time I went there was when The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course came to theaters back in 2002 ago. In 2002, the Mills Corporation purchased the Malls at Forest Fair for $69.4 million and began a $70 million renovation project in February 2003. That could work. [47] After a $70 million renovation project, the mall reopened officially as Cincinnati Mills in August 2004. 11 Complications with leasing delayed the opening of the west fashion wing with upscale tenants until March 1989. Fasig, Lisa Biank. - https://www.patreon.com/salvatoreamadeoCatch up on the full Expedition Log Series!https://www.youtube.c. The old Forest Fair Mall, now known as the Cincinnati Mall, is being demolished by the Butler County Land Bank, which has applied for a $9.5 million grant. 23 The new store would feature 150,000 square feet of retail with an Uncle Bucks Fishbowl and Grill and a bowling alley. 13 The Festival at Forest Fair, a themed restaurant and bar district, opened in the former Bonwit Teller at the cost of $8 million in August 1993. Overall, Forest Fair Mall would be the second-biggest mall in the state of Ohio at the time of construction, behind only the now-defunct Randall Park Mall in North Randall, a suburb of Cleveland. Bigger Than Life - Time Out at Forest Fair Mall. Yes, you can walk at Forest Fair Mall. Kiesewetter, Sue. Portions of the mall have been condemned and the mall in general has. Forest Fair Village hours of operations Please note, operating hours might temporarily vary due to the new COVID-19 coronavirus. I heard they were planning to close in 2021, and I saw this Article was made last April. The mall sits in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. ago. Support the Expedition Log on Patreon, if you like! The problems this mall had in my opinion are because of poor planing, foresight, and enforcement. DeWine announced 825 blighted and vacant . The forest Fair Village website is a great place to find information about the village and the surrounding area. "DeWine stated the city of Fairfield will demolish the former Forest Fair mall site on Cincinnati Mills Drive.The site has been mostly abandoned with just a few stores connected to it remaining. However, given that many other malls and stores are beginning to reopen, it is likely that Forest Fair Mall will also reopen in the near future. Seeking to turn around its flagging fortunes, FFM rebranded the mall as Malls at Forest Fair in May 1992 as part of a $25 million project which included dividing the concourses into four retail themes centered around entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, and value. "The goal of the program is to help communities tear down dilapidated buildings and revitalize the area for future economic development.". Forest Fair (formerly Cincinnati Mall, Cincinnati Mills, and Forest Fair Mall) is a shopping mall in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. [25][20], In 1992, the owners announced a new concept for the mall, known as The Shops at Forest Fair. Turn it into a hotel with outlet stores in it or a entertainment center like scene 75 with outlet stores. They technically missed the deadline because the grant application was not submitted due to a lack of legislative authorization from the city council. Do they still have fishing in the Food Court fountain? He told the Journal-News they could also use money for enhancements like sidewalks after the buildings are razed. The Cincinnati Holding Company, a subsidiary of World Properties Inc. of New York, paid $4.7 million on March 4, 2009, for Cincinnati Mills. Store hours may vary. The former Forest Fair mall is set to be demolished, along with 825 other structures across the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday.DeWine announced 825 blighted and vacant buildings across 30 counties in the state will be demolished to pave way for new economic developments.The demolition projects will be funded through the governor's Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. The sad thing is the retail landscape in this country has changed. 15 20, Cincinnati Mills was purchased by the Cincinnati Holding Company, a subsidiary of World Properties Inc. of New York, for $4.7 million on March 4, 2009. The mall, built in phases between 1988 and 1989 as Forest Fair Mall, has become noted for its troubled history . 4 20 The mall was rededicated as Cincinnati Mills on August 19, 2004. 11, FFM placed Malls at Forest Fair on the market in February 1995 which was acquired by Gator Forest Park Partners of Miami in 1996 for $18 million.11 Gator envisioned Forest Fair as a destination outlet mall3710 and pledged to invest $10 million into the shopping center over the next three years. 18 The idea never came to fruition. Forest Fair has gained popularity among self-proclaimed mall enthusiasts through social media. [] Forest Fair Mall/Cincinnati Mills/Cincinnati Mall is one of those shopping centers that never really took off. The Journal-News reached out to the DoD and they did not address the deadline issue. Everything else 2 days before Christmas was boarded up except for bass pro shops (about to close) and babies R us. Forest Fair Mall was constructed by L.J. According to the subrecipient agreement the land bank has with the developer Geisler said, "we basically make sure they follow the state guidelines, that's all we do.". Initially, the site at the northeast corner of the Interstate 275 beltway's interchange with Winton Road was to consist solely of Bigg's, a local hypermarket chain. The rent was much more than the other nearby mall in Colerain (10 minutes away) Northgate Mall. [35], In late 1999 and early 2000, Gator Investments began a second renovation plan which attracted several new tenants. The former Forest Fair mall is set to be demolished, along with 825 other structures across the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday. 5 min read Nov. 16It appeared the $8 million Butler County Land Bank project to demolish the old Forest Fair mall. But co-owner Alex Demetriades rejected two offers in the low $20 million range in 2017, said John. All rights reserved. History. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. - https://www.patreon.com/salvatoreamadeoCatch up on the full Expedition Log Series!https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeveLKZSrsW5yrdr5vZa1-7oq_g-EuzZtFollow my Expeditions in Real Time:Twitter - https://twitter.com/salvatoreamadeoInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/salvatoreamadeoJoin the discussion on Discord! It is situated on the border between Forest Park and Fairfield, at the junction of Interstate 275 and Winton Road (Exit 39). Forest Fair Mall was previously known as the mall, and it has gone through several names over its long history. The mall underwent renovations throughout the mid 1990s, attracting new stores such as Kohl's, Burlington Coat Factory, and Bass Pro Shops. Nov. 16It appeared the $8 million Butler County Land Bank project to demolish the old Forest Fair mall might be in jeopardy because the deadline to spend the money is May 2023, but now state officials say they will work with the county. "I have to imagine there is some common sense behind the scenes and we're just in a waiting pattern. Wonderpark Family Fun Center, an indoor childrens amusement park, opened in September 2001. I wonder when they plan to tear it down, and Im surprised it didnt close its doors during the pandemic. I also remember after seeing the film my parents took me and my sisters to Wonderpark to conclude our time there. WERE TOLD THE VACANT BUILDINGS ARE GOING TO BE DESTROYED TO PAVE THE WAY FOR NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS. I had to check the places I recalled being at when I was a kid. Even the bathrooms had the water shut off. Boyer, Mike. 12 Nov. 2008. [73] A month later, WLWT reported that the mall is slated for demolition along with 825 other buildings across Ohio, as part of State Governor Mike DeWine's Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. [16], LJ Hooker filed for bankruptcy soon after the mall opened due to debt accrued by the company's expansion in the United States. Updated: Aug 5, 2022 / 06:02 PM EDT. The mall was opened in August 1974, and was the largest shopping mall in the Cincinnati area at the time. Forest fair mall was home to many grocery stores over the years. The southwestern wing featuring Parisian and Elder-Beerman became "The Fashions at Forest Fair", featuring apparel and traditional department stores. Forest Fair Mall Pt. Offerings would include fashion, both high and discount, a considerable assortment of food outlets and an entertainment complex, the first of its kind. [58][59] Despite the loss of these stores and other inline tenants such as MasterCuts and GNC, Totes Isotoner operated a temporary 30,000 square feet (2,800m2) warehouse store in a vacated retail slot near the food court. If buildings could have diaries, the complex of industrial structures along Ashland Road in Cleveland, Ohio would be overflowing with details on its long and illustrious history. Although most of the mall is vacant today, the plans are to restore it to its former glory. The site has been mostly abandoned with just a few stores connected to it remaining. [27] Although a home furnishings store called HOME had been proposed for the former B. Altman store as part of the 1992 renovations,[26] the space ultimately remained vacant until late 1994 when Kohl's opened there. A former paper mill site in Middletown was to be demolished and recontaminated with the help of a $2.8 million grant from the state. [40] Furthering this reconceptualization was the addition of new entertainment venues, including a nightclub called Metropolis,[43] a new Showcase Cinemas theater complex with stadium seating,[35] and a new children's playplace called Wonderpark. Forest Fair Village (formerly Cincinnati Mall, Cincinnati Mills, and Forest Fair Mall) is an abandoned shopping mall in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. There was a massive renovation to transform a strip mall to a 100,000 square foot enclosed shopping mall. The 88 counties will receive $500,000 each to demolish and repurpose dilapidated properties, with $1 million going to demolition and $1 million going to repurpose vacant lots. Intentionally designed to be different than all the other mundane shopping malls, the five anchors were to have their own individual style through the use of architecture. [60] In addition, the property owners had fallen delinquent on property taxes. Chief Jones says they found several issues during a fire and safety inspection on Nov. 23. [] in any bathroom. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. [15] Another major tenant present at opening day was a 100,000-square-foot (9,300m2) entertainment complex called Time Out, featuring a carousel and miniature golf course. Frustrated by years of failed attempts to have the Monsour Medical Center demolished, the city of Jeannette and Westmoreland County have teamed up. Mike DeWine's office Tuesday about the May 2023 deadline that appeared to jeopardize the $8 million project to raze the old Forest Fair mall but didn't receive a response. Forest Fair Mall/Cincinnati Mills/Cincinnati Mall is one of those shopping centers that never really took off. The Journal-News reached out to the Ohio Department of Development and Gov. [36] The mall underwent a myriad of changes soon afterward, including three anchor stores that all opened in October 2000: Bass Pro Shops opened in the former Parisian,[37] Burlington Coat Factory (now known as just Burlington) replaced the former "Festival" wing,[35][38] and Stein Mart entered Ohio with a temporary outlet store in the space previously occupied by Dawahares. Following the sale of Mills's portfolio to Simon Property Group, the mall was sold several times afterward, while continuing to lose many of its key tenants. Forest Fair Mall chronology. Cincinnati Enquirer 29 Oct. 2000. With a total of 6 shopping centers within a mere 80 miles of one another it was not a battle to be the best but rather to see who could stay alive. Hooker sought bankruptcy protection in September, claiming debts of $1.7 billion. After having been renamed to Cincinnati Mall and again to Forest Fair Village in the 2010s, the property received significant media attention as an example of a dead mall. 11 By June, Forest Fair was put up for sale. Not so, now. The state has provided $256 million for commercial and residential demolitions the county is guaranteed $500,000 and the Butler County Land Bank has applied for $9.5 million. DeWine stated the city of Fairfield will demolish the former Forest Fair mall site on Cincinnati Mills Drive. You have neighboring malls 2 exits away in both directions that have been established for a long time. - A Deadmalls.com Presentation. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Monday: 10:00am-9:00pm Tuesday: 10:00am-9:00pm Wednesday: 10:00am-9:00pm Thursday: 10:00am-9:00pm Friday: 10:00am-9:00pm SouthPark Mall is the ideal place to spend a day shopping, dining, and playing video games. This mall has changed hands again and is undergoing another rebrand. Abandoned is being featured at the Carnegie in Covington, Kentucky. [52] Also contributing to the decline were continued competition with Northgate and Tri-County malls, along with a newer outdoor mall called Bridgewater Falls in nearby Hamilton; lower-class demographics surrounding the mall; shopper unfamiliarity with the specialty tenants within; bankruptcy filings of key tenants; and complications from an accounting scandal in which the Mills corporation was involved. And one of those stores is an arcade. I was around when the Forest Fair Mall came into fruition, which was the only way (at the time) that the mall area could have been saved. "By helping to clear out this blight, we're investing in the future of our citizens and our communities.". Um, on second thought, maybe that wasnt such a good idea. The mall was opened in August 1974, and was the largest shopping mall in the Cincinnati area at the time. [48] By January 2005, the mall had a 90 percent occupancy. The bulk of it, $7.9 million, is to topple the old Forest Fair mall which straddles Fairfield and Forest Park in partnership with potential developer Hillwood Construction Services. Dont do anything with it and just allow it to be a landmark. Hooker literally bought controlling interest in the upscale anchors and forced them to open at the mall. If you do go to the mall, why not do it in style in a retro style Forest Fair shirt from Untitled Colours. 2021. [71] Officials of both Butler and Hamilton County submitted plans to the state of Ohio in 2022, calling for $9.5 million in funds to demolish the mall. 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