City leaders celebrate Northridge Mall officially being demolished, look to the future
MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- It's the end of an era and the start of something new. After decades of delays and legal battles, Northridge Mall is finally gone. As the property has been demolished, city leaders hope to mark a new chapter for Milwaukee's northwest side.
"Where there was one blight and hazard is now opportunity and promise," said Jezamil Arroyo-Vega, Department of Neighborhood Services commissioner.
The abandoned mall with broken glass, graffiti, and empty rooms is now gone, leaving 58 acres of blank slate for the city.
"We're proud to show our community that we have fulfilled that promise. The mall has come down," shared Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Northridge Mall opened in 1972 and closed in 2003. Now, Milwaukee leaders are excited for the future.
"This site has long stood as a reminder of what once was, today though it stands as a symbol of what can be," said Mayor Johnson.
The demolition took years, but was on time and on budget, according to Mayor Johnson. He said it was thanks to the $15 million in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated from Governor Tony Evers, thanks to the Biden administration. The majority of the companies involved were based in Milwaukee. Arroyo-Vega said more than 800,000-square-feet of structure were removed, and about 80% of the metal was recycled.
Leaders now look to fill the "blank slate."
"This site is uniquely positioned within the city and could be home to future anchor uses such as sports and entertainment, healthcare or advanced manufacturing uses," said Lafayette I. Crump, Department of City Development commissioner.
Another want voiced by residents is housing and is a possibility, according to city leaders.
"We want to listen, we want to learn, and we want to see what will actually be successful, add value, and add some additional investment, not just here, but in the area surrounding," shared Mayor Johnson.
City leaders want your input on what to do with the space. You can find more information here.