STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- One of the Metro Detroit areas largest malls will be closing in just a couple of months.
The owners of Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, along with local officials, announced Wednesday that the mall, along M-59 near Schoenherr, will close July 1, 2024.
Eventually, the building — or at least the majority of it — will be demolished. The Macy's and JC Penney stores that are at the mall are expected to remain open, and be a part of a new project at the site.
Groundbreaking for what they're calling "Lakeside Town Center" is scheduled for late 2025.
"Lakeside Mall's closure marks the beginning of an exciting transformation," remarked Allison Greenfield, Principal and Chief Development Officer of Lionheart Capital. "We are committed to collaborating with the City of Sterling Heights to create a vibrant urban center that celebrates the area's unique character and history."
Plans call for a new project involve "dynamic mixed-use city center," according to a news release — including apartments, parks, a hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, dining establishments and more.
Approximately 30 acres will be dedicated to public spaces, including parks and infrastructure.
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said the decision to close Lakeside came after thorough planning and consideration.
"Sterling Heights eagerly anticipates the Lakeside Mall redevelopment, which aligns with our community's vision for innovation, enriched living, creation of distinctive areas, connectivity and accessibility. As this transformative project unfolds, making sure our residents are consistently informed and actively engaged in the process will be a top priority," Taylor said.
Throughout the redevelopment, officials say "local labor will play a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life." The project is designed to be financially self-sustaining, according to a news release — funded by new property tax revenue generated by the development, ensuring minimal impact on city taxes.
“As the City of Sterling Heights continues to reimagine the future of Lakeside Mall, Macomb County remains committed to helping create an environment which will ignite transformational development,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Working together, we ensure that this site will bolster our local economy and be a model for strategic redevelopment and job creation.”
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