Redevelopment
In 1991, the mall removed its wood-finished floors and store fascias, and updated with modern pastel colored Formica panels. The floor was redone with a cream colored marble, and the revolving center shops were replaced with a blue painted steel stairway and security desk.
In 2006, the mall fell into receivership and was sold to Somera Capital Management, which owns and operates many malls across the nation, for $31 million. Somera hired General Growth Properties, which owns and operates nearby Columbia Mall to redevelop the space. Renovation plans were unveiled to the public on January 30, 2007, at Laurel City Hall. The plans included a new 80,000-square-foot (7,400 m2) anchor, a 16-screen Regal Theaters with stadium seating, a two-story bookstore, a new food court, restaurants with sidewalk dining (including Mimi's Cafe), new national and regional shops, a new parking deck, a redesigned exterior of bricks and stones, and a new interior. The redesigned mall was to be renamed "Laurel Commons," and was to have been accompanied by luxury apartments and a grocery store on the mall property. The first phase of the project was scheduled to begin construction in 2009. General Growth Properties fell into bankruptcy protection, and construction never started, to the dismay of the City Council and Mayor, who threatened to withdraw the $16 million tax break.
Greenberg Gibbons Commercial (GGC) took partial ownership and began managing the mall on March 1, 2011. GGC also unveiled new plans for the redevelopment of the mall, to include demolition of most of the existing mall with the exception of Macy's and the rear parking structure. The new plans called for an open air multi-use shopping center which would include a movie theater, health club, restaurants, and a residential area. The mall would also receive a new name, "Laurel Town Center." Construction was scheduled to begin in approximately 18 months from the time that the new plans were announced in March 2011.
The mall closed on May 1, 2012. Burlington Coat Factory remained open, pending final agreements regarding redevelopment of the site. Additionally, a branch of the United States Post Office remained open, although the Postal Service had already targeted the Laurel Main Branch for closure.
On August 14, 2012, the city of Laurel hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to begin destruction of the current mall. As of October 12, 2012, all of the parking garage on the Rt 1 side of the mall has been demolished, and interior demolition of the mall has begun.
Read more about this topic: Laurel Mall (Maryland)