It is situated on the border between Forest Park and Fairfield, at the junction of Interstate 275 and Winton Road (Exit 39). ago. It was so neat to be able to rent a pole, catch fish, and then cook them on an open fire right there in the mall! Learn how your comment data is processed. It was a slightly chilly morning in downtown Cumberland, Maryland when I awoke to my alarm and the passing locomotives chugging along the former Western Maryland rail line through the heart of the city. I heard they were planning to close in 2021, and I saw this Article was made last April. Although most of the mall is vacant today, the plans are to restore it to its former glory. This was the first of three stores opened that year upon the chain's entry into the Cincinnati market. Chief Jones says they found several issues during a fire and safety inspection on Nov. 23. In the fall of 1988 Cincinnati, Ohio would be the arena for an all out shopping mall rumble. Surrounding Bigg's, the eastern wing became "The Markets at Forest Fair", which featured tenants centered on "value, services, and convenience". ), which is to just tear the whole thing down and convert the area into what I see in Washington State (where I live now since 2006) which are recreational facilities, complete with skateboard ramps, municipal swimming pool and specialty shops kind of like a Cincinnati version of the old Coney Island. Following a successful effort to revitalize the mall, Cincinnati Mall was renamed and non-traditional tenants were sought in order to fill the empty mall. [27] Although a home furnishings store called HOME had been proposed for the former B. Altman store as part of the 1992 renovations,[26] the space ultimately remained vacant until late 1994 when Kohl's opened there. Nov. 16It appeared the $8 million Butler County Land Bank project to demolish the old Forest Fair mall might be in jeopardy because the deadline to spend the money is May 2023, but now state officials say they will work with the county. I just moved to Cincinnati a month ago and discovered this by accident. The discovery of an untouched apartment above a long-abandoned pharmacy in New York led me to think about my mortality and how finite my life is. According to the release, the site will be redeveloped by the cities of Fairfield and Forest Park. [10] As a result, the rest of the mall's opening was delayed to October 1988, and again to March 1, 1989. Area Showcase Cinemas closes. Fairfield Echo 2 March 2010. Portions of the mall have been condemned and the mall in general has. 12 Nov. 2008. I wonder when they plan to tear it down, and Im surprised it didnt close its doors during the pandemic. 11 Complications with leasing delayed the opening of the west "fashion" wing with upscale tenants until March 1989. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WLWT-TV. ..30 years of failed attempts at the same thing. Cincinnati Mills sold again. Cincinnati Enquirer 2 Jan. 2009. It will most likely never be a mall again in the sense that it was before, but as a multi use facility, especially academic and office space, it can work. Not so, now. The proximity to both Northgate Mall and Tri-County Mall was also cited as a factor in the mall's struggles, particularly due to the latter undergoing an expansion not long after Forest Fair opened. 12 Nov. 2008. With a total of 6 shopping centers within a mere 80 miles of one another it was not a battle to be the best but rather to see who could stay alive. 13 Nov. 2008: 6B. Cincinnati Mills: One Year Later. Fairfield Echo 5 Oct. 2005. Finally, center court and the former location of Bonwit Teller became "The Festival at Forest Fair", focused on entertainment and new restaurants. SouthPark Mall is the ideal place to spend a day shopping, dining, and playing video games. Geisler told the Journal-News he spoke with the DoD about extending the deadline and they said "they don't know if it is an option or not at this point." After having been renamed to Cincinnati Mall and again to Forest Fair Village in the 2010s, the property received significant media attention as an example of a dead mall. Forest Fair Village hours of operations Please note, operating hours might temporarily vary due to the new COVID-19 coronavirus. Pennsylvania allocated $150 million to demolition of commercial and residential buildings as well as $350 million to Brownfield Cleanup. 11. [23] All of the other Sakowitz stores were also liquidated at this point, along with all but two locations of Bonwit Teller. 19 In a move to restore the malls viability, the company renamed the property Cincinnati Mall and sought non-traditional tenants to fill the empty shopping center. Turn it into a hotel with outlet stores in it or a entertainment center like scene 75 with outlet stores. Please include the title when you click here to report it. Land bank officials said a project of his magnitude there are zoning and other issues to contend with could take 12 to 18 months. Forest Fair Village (formerly Cincinnati Mall, Cincinnati Mills, and Forest Fair Mall) is an abandoned shopping mall in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The number of applications submitted for brownfield remediation is 204 as of July. [48] By January 2005, the mall had a 90 percent occupancy. During the winter, two rival gangs relocated to the mall during one of its most turbulent times. 12 Nov. 2008. With a total of 6 shopping centers within a mere 80 miles of one another it was not a battle to be the best but rather to see who could stay alive. Forest fair mall was home to many grocery stores over the years. He told the land bank board in February they were just beginning redevelopment talks with Fairfield and Forest Park but they hope to put light industrial buildings on the site that could have a value of $150 million and potentially produce 900 to 1,500 jobs. She had been stabbed multiple times . When the state biennial budget passed in June 2021, it allocated $150 million for commercial and residential demolitions and $350 million for brownfield remediation. I think its time to tear this down and reclaim the land for another use. Another hired not only Micky Mouse but also Ray Charles, like the real, actual Ray Charles, to head line the grand re-opening upon completion of their $100 million expansion. Where else in the world would you be legally allowed to enter premises that are closed for business. 21 The company worked out a payment schedule with the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority to pay the late assessments and taxes owed. Fasig, Lisa Biank. August 28, 2021 Mallwalker J. That could work. The final interior tenant finally left in September, there is still a kohls, bass pro shop and a gym but they all have exterior entrances. - https://www.patreon.com/salvatoreamadeoCatch up on the full Expedition Log Series!https://www.youtube.c. The mall is Ohios second largest, with a total area of 1,500,000 square feet and 250 stores. The website also has a section for businesses, which is a great resource for finding local businesses. A mall of this size, and in its location (which was a poor idea to start with) simply wont work. Such good memories. The Shops at Forest Fair is an urban mall that was renovated in 1992 with the concept that each wing would specialize in a different type of shopping experience. Forest Fair (formerly Cincinnati Mall, Cincinnati Mills, and Forest Fair Mall) is a shopping mall in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Malls new look holds surprises. Cincinnati Enquirer 8 July 2004. Or a good location for a Halloween scare. [17] The company put Forest Fair up for sale in June 1989, with an asking price of $200 million. [69] In mid-2017, a Christian media company had expressed interest in using part of the mall property for a studio. [70], Inspectors from the city of Forest Park cited the building for a number of code violations throughout 2020, including sealed emergency exits and graffiti. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? [18] Despite the mall's troubles, the owners of Parisian noted that the store's sales were strong enough for the company to consider expansion in the Cincinnati market. [63] Burlington Coat Factory moved out of the mall in 2013,[64] and Danbarry Dollar Saver closed in 2014. The mall has a variety of stores and restaurants that you can visit. History. [75], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}391812N 843107W / 39.303262N 84.518603W / 39.303262; -84.518603, The Kohl's wing of Forest Fair Village, May 2018, 1990s: The Shops at Forest Fair and redevelopment, 2008present: Cincinnati Mall, Forest Fair Village, "Larger Bigg's mall planned in Fairfield", "Developers optimistic about five mall stores", "B. Altman to be a Forest Fair Mall anchor", "Forest Fair Mall's full opening delayed", "Forest Fair tenants slow in opening stores", "Beer down under: Pub opens at Forest Fair", "Success of Forest Fair Mall isn't assured", "Hooker wants OK to close 3 Forest Fair Mall stores", "Last B. Altman's changes focus to stay in business", "Cities count on Forest Fair's full recovery", "Kohl's Department Stores to open at Forest Fair Mall", "Meijer hyperstores boost competition in Southwest Ohio", "Saks bought by Proffitt's in $2.1B deal", "Media Play helps jazz up renewed Forest Fair Mall", "Shoppers check opening of Saks discount outlet", "New owners, new theme give hope to Forest Fair", "Forest Fair Mall tenants upset by operator's timing", "Mall to reopen with focus on families, discounters", "Johnny's Toys opens in Cincinnati Mills", "Two years after makeover, mall struggles to find niche", "Development of former Cincinnati Mall still in 'holding pattern', "Bass Pro moving to West Chester, adding eatery", "New in Town Burlington Coat Factory moving from Cincinnati Mall to Springdale", "Bass Pro move to further slow Forest Fair mall development", "Future of the former Cincinnati Mall in limbo again", "Cincinnati malls' death spiral: Will yours survive? Changes in Store Forest Fair Mall Has New Name and New Direction. Cincinnati Post 31 Aug. 1992. - A Deadmalls.com Presentation. [15] A 1989 article in The Cincinnati Enquirer described the mall as "entering uncharted waters" due to Sakowitz, B. Altman, Parisian, and Bonwit Teller all being not only new to the Cincinnati market, but also due to the higher-priced merchandise available at those stores, in comparison to the area's more blue collar demographics. In the meantime, shoppers can find their favorite stores and brands online or at other nearby malls. Biggs in Forest Park to close. Cincinnati Enquirer 14 May 2008. Cincy Mills among firms worst performers. Cincinnati Enquirer 7 Dec. 2006. Former Forest Fair Mall, other buildings will be demolished if funds come through., Demeropolis, Tom. 12 Nov. 2008. Um, on second thought, maybe that wasnt such a good idea. ", "For sale: One big and mostly empty Forest Fair Mall", "Cincinnati Brokers Explore New Uses For Big, Mostly Empty Forest Fair Mall", "How Ohio's second-biggest mall became an Amazon parking lot", "Former Forest Fair Mall, other buildings will be demolished if funds come through", "Arcade Legacy closing 2 locations, opening new Sharonville location", "Former Forest Fair mall to be demolished along with 825 other vacant, blighted buildings", "Former Forest Fair Mall closed due to fire, safety hazards", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Forest_Fair_Village&oldid=1132285815, Abandoned shopping malls in the United States, Defunct shopping malls in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Forest Fair Mall, Cincinniati Mills, Cincinnati Mall, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 04:23. Kent, Jennifer. If you put in a school and some offices, that will lend itself to a bustling food court and some retail options. It is interesting to walk the ghost-town mall. [45] Renovations began in January, which included new paint, floors, and signage throughout, along with differently-themed decor for each wing of the mall, typical of properties developed by Mills at the time. The initial plans were to construct just a standalone Bigg's, a former . The former Forest Fair mall is set to be demolished, along with 825 other structures across the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday. Forest Fair Mall/Cincinnati Mills/Cincinnati Mall is one of those shopping centers that never really took off. Hooker sought bankruptcy protection in September, claiming debts of $1.7 billion. The mall, built in phases between 1988 and 1989 as Forest Fair Mall, has become noted for its troubled history; despite being the second-biggest mall in the state and bringing many new retailers to the market, it lost three anchor stores (B. Altman and Company, Bonwit Teller, and Sakowitz) and its original owner LJ Hooker to bankruptcy less than a year after opening. According to a release, the former Forest Fair Mall located in Butler County in Fairfield will be soon demolished. Cincinnati Mall announces redevelopment., Dowdy, Rob. There are many stores located at forest Fair Mall. and our In 2002, the Mills Corporation purchased the Malls at Forest Fair for $69.4 million and began a $70 million renovation project in February 2003. Jim Rokakis with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, who has been working as a consultant with the state land bank association on this program, told the Journal-News Butler County is not alone with deadline issues. Frustrated by years of failed attempts to have the Monsour Medical Center demolished, the city of Jeannette and Westmoreland County have teamed up. [71] Officials of both Butler and Hamilton County submitted plans to the state of Ohio in 2022, calling for $9.5 million in funds to demolish the mall. The mall is anchored by a Kohl's and one or two other large shops . It is situated on the border between Forest Park and Fairfield, at the junction of Interstate 275 and Winton Road (Exit 39). Just visited during peak holiday shopping season to go to the arcade with my sons. I remember the first time I went there was when The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course came to theaters back in 2002 ago. Hooker in 1986, with the east wing of the mall opening in July 1988 with Biggs hypermarket and value-oriented inline tenants. The gangs were not walking around the other malls like they were at Forest Parks, Forest Fair Mall. These locations, both in Upstate New York, were sold to The Pyramid Companies. 3 6 Cincinnati Mills had declined to 115 tenants by mid-summer and the shopping center had become one of the weakest performers in the Mill Corporations portfolio, with sales per square feet less than half the average for similarly sized facilities. And it didn't. Forest Fair was a flop, and a very bad one at that. Store hours may vary. I shopped at Parisian once I graduated from college but the selection was small and it was still expensive. Between the constant juggle of different owners, bankruptcies, and rebranding efforts, the mall never reached full occupancy and it has been on life support for many years. Monday: 10:00am-9:00pm Tuesday: 10:00am-9:00pm Wednesday: 10:00am-9:00pm Thursday: 10:00am-9:00pm Friday: 10:00am-9:00pm It is a high crime and drug related area with violence and theft much higher than upper class Tri-county Mall which is 5 minutes away. Forest Fair Mall 600 Cincinnati Mills Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45240 (513) 671-2882 Contacts General information Reviews Compliment this business High quality 0 Good service 0 Polite staff 0 Wide selection 0 Contacts Street address: 600 Cincinnati Mills Dr. City / suburb: Cincinnati County: Hamilton State: Ohio ZIP code: 45240 Phone: (513) 671-2882 15 20, Cincinnati Mills was purchased by the Cincinnati Holding Company, a subsidiary of World Properties Inc. of New York, for $4.7 million on March 4, 2009. 2021. The Forest Fair Mall was a shopping mall in Forest Park, Ohio, United States. Cincinnati Mall, formerly known as Forest Fair Mall and Cincinnati Mills, is an ailing shopping center in Fairfield, Ohio. I saw a tour of this on YouTube by the Proper People, they tour abandoned buildings and take some beautiful pictures, and since this was a couple years ago I had to see if it was still open. 12 Nov. 2008. 2000-2023 Abandoned. Boyer, Mike. Forest Fair Mall chronology. Cincinnati Enquirer 29 Oct. 2000. I had a lot of fun at this mall when it opened. He told the Journal-News four of those projects are off the table now and two more might come off. Forest Fair Mall/Cincinnati Mills/Cincinnati Mall is one of those shopping centers that never really took off. - https://www.patreon.com/salvatoreamadeoCatch up on the full Expedition Log Series!https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeveLKZSrsW5yrdr5vZa1-7oq_g-EuzZtFollow my Expeditions in Real Time:Twitter - https://twitter.com/salvatoreamadeoInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/salvatoreamadeoJoin the discussion on Discord! Later that day, his . https://discord.gg/g4tKbpuIn the 30th episode of the Expedition Log Series, we visit the mostly abandoned Forest Fair Mall for the 10,000 subscriber special!#TheDeadMallsOfDiscord #ExLog #Sal Month ago and discovered this by accident [ 63 ] Burlington Coat Factory out! 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