Midtown Ventures, a local company, has unveiled a plan to transform the long-vacant former Macy’s location at Columbia Mall in Grand Forks into an indoor storage facility. After nine years of vacancy, the proposal aims to breathe new life into a shopping center that has struggled to maintain its status as the premier retail destination in the region.
The partnership, formed by two Grand Forks families—the Crarys and the Haugs—seeks to replicate its previous success at the former Kmart site, which has been converted into a thriving storage facility. However, Midtown Ventures faces significant opposition from the mall’s ownership group, GK Real Estate, which has petitioned the Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission to reject the rezoning request needed for the project.
In a statement to the commission, Evan Shtulman, vice president of leasing for GK Real Estate, expressed concern that converting the former Macy’s into storage would adversely affect other retailers in the mall. He warned that such a move could hinder future development and contribute to a “death spiral” for the property. “The former Macy’s building is in the front main entrance to the property, and any use other than retail would be disastrous for any future for this site,” he stated.
Columbia Mall, a 710,000-square-foot facility, has seen a significant decline in occupancy, with estimates suggesting it may be as much as two-thirds empty. Recent closures include well-known retailers such as American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret, and Eddie Bauer, leaving a noticeable gap in the mall’s offerings. Despite these challenges, a few anchors like JCPenney and Scheel’s have managed to remain, though the overall shopping experience has suffered.
Local business owner Mary Kippen Morgan, who operates Lucious Boutique, commented on the mall’s current reputation, noting that many potential shoppers view it as a less desirable destination due to its emptiness. “People talk about how empty it is and that they don’t shop there,” she remarked.
Given the current state of Columbia Mall, the proposal by Midtown Ventures raises questions about the viability of storage facilities as a solution to the mall’s struggles. The transformation of the former Macy’s into a storage site could serve as a lifeline rather than a detriment, providing a functional use for a space that has remained dormant for nearly a decade.
Moreover, the success of Midtown Ventures’ storage facility in the former Kmart building demonstrates that such repurposing can have positive effects on surrounding businesses. The revitalized space has attracted new businesses and improved the overall aesthetics of the area, proving that alternative uses for vacant properties can be beneficial.
As GK Real Estate, based in Illinois, continues to grapple with the challenges facing Columbia Mall, the local expertise and insight offered by Midtown Ventures could provide much-needed solutions. The Planning and Zoning Commission must weigh the potential benefits of allowing Midtown Ventures to move forward with its plans against the concerns raised by GK Real Estate.
The decision to approve or deny the rezoning request will play a critical role in shaping the future of Columbia Mall. Allowing Midtown Ventures to repurpose the former Macy’s could signify a shift towards rejuvenating the mall and restoring its status as a vibrant shopping destination in Grand Forks.
