After nearly 27 years as a downtown staple, Norfolk’s MacArthur Center is officially set to close its doors by June 30, clearing the way for a major redevelopment project that’s been years in the making.
The city made the announcement Friday, confirming that the long-anticipated transformation of the site will finally move forward. Demolition of the mall is expected to begin toward the end of 2026, marking the end of an era for a property that once drew crowds and helped define Norfolk’s retail landscape.
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander called the redevelopment a “significant milestone” for the city, framing it as a key step in shaping a downtown that matches the city’s evolving momentum. And that momentum has been building for some time.
Back in April 2024, Alexander first unveiled the vision for the site’s future. Since then, the city has been refining plans that could bring in a mix of hotels, street-level retail, and a blend of residential options - both rentals and owner-occupied homes - to create a more dynamic, livable urban space.
City Manager Pat Roberts added in December that the redevelopment would aim to activate the area with a diverse mix of uses, helping to reenergize a part of downtown that’s seen its foot traffic and relevance dwindle over the years.
Right now, only a small number of tenants remain inside the mall. Norfolk officials say they’re working on support measures for those businesses, including relocation assistance and other resources to help them navigate the transition.
One of those tenants is the 757 Creative ReUse Center, a donation-based arts and crafts supply thrift store that moved into the mall in 2023. Despite the looming closure, the center’s leadership remains optimistic. “Regardless of what happens to the mall, the 757 Creative ReUse Center is going to find a new home here in Norfolk,” said Judy-Lynn Benjamin, the store’s manager of retail operations.
MacArthur Center first opened its doors on May 12, 1999, with the kind of buzz you’d expect from a major downtown development. It was a destination - a place that brought in shoppers, moviegoers, and foot traffic from across the region. But over time, like so many malls across the country, it struggled to keep up with changing consumer habits and increasing competition from online retail and lifestyle centers.
The decline was gradual but unmistakable. Anchor stores began to close, foot traffic thinned, and the energy that once defined the space slowly faded. The final blow came when Regal Cinemas - the last remaining anchor - shut down on January 29.
Now, the focus shifts to what’s next. The city sees this as a chance to reimagine a key piece of downtown real estate and align it with Norfolk’s broader goals for growth, vibrancy, and community-centered development. It’s not just about replacing a mall - it’s about creating something new that reflects where Norfolk is headed.
And while the nostalgia will linger for those who remember the mall’s heyday, the city is clearly looking forward. The next chapter for MacArthur Center’s site is about building something that fits the present - and the future - of downtown Norfolk.