JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Once a bustling retail hub and social hotspot, Arlington’s Regency Square Mall now stands as a shadow of its former self. But city leaders and developers are looking toward a future that could bring new life to the aging property.
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Originally opened in 1967, Regency Square Mall quickly became one of Jacksonville’s most popular shopping destinations, drawing visitors not only from across the River City but from parts of Southeast Florida and Southern Georgia.
Anchored by retailers like JCPenney, May-Cohens, Woolworth and Piccadilly Cafeteria, the mall was considered one of the top indoor malls in the country.
By the early 1990s, Regency was still thriving. Archival News4JAX footage showed packed parking lots and crowds of shoppers during the holiday season. When the Jacksonville Jaguars were established in 1993, the mall was the first place fans could purchase official team merchandise.
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In 1998, Regency underwent a $30 million renovation in an effort to stay competitive. But its decline began shortly after.
Jacksonville City Councilmember Ken Amaro, who represents District 1, recalls Regency’s early days as a community cornerstone.
“When I moved here in 1975, Regency Square Mall was it,” Amaro said. “It was the jewel in the crown of shopping centers, not just in Jacksonville.”
The mall’s troubles began in the 1990s with the opening of the Avenues Mall, followed by St. Johns Town Center in 2005 and River City Marketplace in 2006. By the end of 2001, occupancy at Regency had fallen to 74%. Two years later, it had plummeted below 40%.
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Crime, the rise of online shopping, and bankruptcy filings by its original owners further contributed to the decline. The property was later acquired by Namdar Realty Group.
“Namdar picked up what was already a blemished piece of real estate,” Amaro said. “They had the opportunity to transform it, but instead, in my opinion, they sucked the life out of it.”
Today, Regency Square Mall is home to only two tenants: a Dillard’s outlet and Impact Church.
But change may be on the horizon.
Amaro said he’s met with new property owners who are enthusiastic about redeveloping the site. Plans being discussed include a mixed-use community featuring residential spaces, retail, dining, and entertainment venues.
The timeline for redevelopment is estimated at five to 10 years. The goal, according to Amaro, is to create a “live, work, play” environment that takes advantage of the mall’s central location and potential to revitalize the surrounding Arlington neighborhood.