Amidst the echoes of the past and the anticipation of future development, the demolition of North DeKalb Mall commenced, drawing an ensemble of politicians and community members alike. The occasion, seen as a definitive close to an era of retail and an embrace of mixed-use expansion, was marked by both nostalgic reflections and forward-looking rhetoric. In an event detailed by Decaturish, the disassembly of this once-thriving shopping center gave way to the vision of Lulah Hills, a development poised to encompass retail, housing, and more, aiming for completion by 2028.
Under the protective canopy of a vast tent, assembled in the very parking lot that once serviced streams of consumers, officials from various eras converged to reflect on the mall's contributions and the potential of its designated heir, Lulah Hills. As the excavator arm made contact with the mall's facade, signaling a period of drastic change, Herbert Ames, an executive of the developer EDENS, struggled to maintain his composure during his address. According to an interview by Decaturish, Ames emphasized the role of such developments in community building: "Our mission is to enrich community. When you think about real estate in that way … it becomes so much larger than real estate." This sentiment underscored the drive behind the ambitious project.
The transformation promises an infusion of nearly 2,000 new housing units, 10% of which will be set aside as workforce housing. The redevelopment blueprint also integrates a retail incubator and a full-size grocery store, though no anchor tenant has yet been declared. EDENS's acquisition of adjacent properties, including the Meineke car care center and the Golden Corral buffet, allow for a more expansive and cohesive development strategy. Decaturish reports that despite the reduction from 16 to 11 screens, the AMC Theater will remain operational, adapting to the changed landscape of movie-going behavior.
Voicing support for the undertaking, former DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader asserted, as obtained by Decaturish, that such high-quality development doesn't require municipal jurisdiction, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives. Easing into the generational shift, Decide DeKalb lent its support through $70 million in tax reimbursements. President of Decide DeKalb Dorian DeBarr relayed poignant childhood memories tied to the mall, underscoring the poignant impact of this redevelopment both personally and regionally.
The residents, whose affections for the mall run deep, were invited to inscribe their thoughts and reflections on comment cards, an homage to the site's shared history. Recollections ranged from intimate dining experiences in the Magnolia Room at the top of Rich's Department Store to youthful employment and romantic encounters at the Singer Sewing Center. These personal anecdotes resonate with the overarching theme of a site that has long served as a fixture of the community's social fabric. The ambitious project, Lulah Hills, now inherits the mantle, aiming to become the new nexus of communal interaction and growth.
