The long-awaited demolition of Eastland Mall is finally underway, marking the end of an era for the once-thriving shopping destination on Columbus’ Southeast Side.
But while the mall itself is coming down, discussions about the site’s future—and the broader Eastland neighborhood—are just getting started.
A recently unveiled study, “Eastland for Everyone,” lays out a vision for the area’s redevelopment, shaped by 16 months of community input from about 1,800 residents. The plan highlights key priorities for the neighborhood, including new housing, improved transportation, better access to grocery stores and health care, and the creation of community spaces.
One of the biggest takeaways from the study is the desire for a “community hub” on the former mall site—one that could include a mix of housing, retail, and recreational spaces.
The loss of the mall left a void in the neighborhood, and residents are calling for a place where people can gather, similar to what Eastland once provided in its heyday.
Despite the ambitious vision, the fate of the mall site remains uncertain.
Redevelopment efforts face complications due to multiple property owners, including Eastland Mall Holdings LLC of Louisiana, which owns much of the site, and separate entities that control the former Macy’s, Sears, and Sears Auto Center spaces. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has acknowledged ongoing discussions with property owners but has not yet shared definitive plans for the site.
Beyond the mall, improvements are already underway in the surrounding area. The upcoming Eastland Prosperity Center & Mid-Ohio Market will repurpose a former Kroger store, Columbus State plans to open a Career Development Center nearby, and the city has acquired 78 acres for Mason Run Park.
These projects aim to address longstanding concerns about economic opportunities, mobility, and community services in the neighborhood.
While the demolition of Eastland Mall signals the end of a chapter, the broader conversation about the future of the Southeast Side is just beginning. The Eastland for Everyone plan offers a roadmap, but turning that vision into reality will require collaboration between the city, developers, and the community.
To learn more about the Eastland for Everyone project, head over to eastlandforeveryone.com.
Featured image by Nicholas Eckhart, Eastland Mall in Columbus, Ohio, July 13, 2013. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
