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Midland Mall

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Midland Mall is an enclosed shopping mall in Midland, Michigan, serving the city and surrounding communities with more than 50 stores, restaurants, services, and major anchor tenants.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Midland Mall is an enclosed shopping center in Midland, Michigan, United States. Located near the intersection of U.S. Route 10 and Eastman Avenue, the mall was developed on land that had originally been part of Larkin Township and opened to the public on October 9, 1991. Its development followed more than a decade of planning, zoning disputes, annexation proceedings, wetlands-permitting issues, and changes in the scale and design of the proposed project. The property originated with real-estate developer Samuel Frankel, who purchased an approximately 83-acre parcel in December 1976. Early proposals envisioned a substantially larger shopping center, but the project encountered resistance over municipal services, possible annexation by Midland, traffic congestion, environmental effects, and the appropriate location of regional retail development. After several rejected or withdrawn zoning proposals, the site was annexed to Midland in 1983. By the mid-1980s, the planned mall had been reduced to approximately 525,000 square feet and was tentatively called Eastman Mall. In 1988, Frankel Associates formed a joint venture with the Ohio-based Jacobs Visconsi Jacobs Group, a developer associated with nearby Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw. The partnership brought the project closer to construction, although wetlands mitigation requirements continued to delay site work. An agreement with the Chippewa Nature Center eventually provided a mitigation solution. By 1990, the project had been formally named Midland Mall and was planned with four anchor stores: Elder-Beerman, JCPenney, Sears, and Target. The mall opened with 43 operating stores, a food court, and all four anchors. Opening-day programming included a ribbon-cutting, customer giveaways, and live entertainment. During its early years, Midland Mall positioned itself as a regional shopping destination for Midland and nearby communities such as Gladwin and Clare. Management and merchants reported strong initial Christmas traffic and sales, and the mall was credited with helping retain local shoppers who might otherwise travel to Saginaw or Bay City. The center also hosted craft fairs, home-improvement shows, youth activities, seasonal programming, and other community events. Although occupancy was not completely full during its first years and the early-1990s recession created uncertainty, the mall reported traffic and sales results that generally met or exceeded expectations. The property expanded its retail ecosystem during the 1990s and 2000s. New stores and restaurants included Musicland, Things Remembered, Ruby Tuesday, Buckle, Barnes & Noble, Steve & Barry's, and later Dunham's Sports. Peripheral development around the mall added large-format retail and services, including OfficeMax, Lowe's, Hampton Inn, Staples, Home Depot, Best Buy, Walgreens, Walmart, and an adjacent Meijer store. These surrounding businesses reinforced the area as a broader commercial district rather than a standalone enclosed mall. Ownership changed several times. CBL & Associates Properties acquired Midland Mall from the Jacobs Group in 2001 as part of a larger portfolio transaction. CBL oversaw changes including the addition of Barnes & Noble and modifications to existing anchor space. The property was sold to Kohan Retail Investment Group in 2018 and, according to the referenced material, has been owned by Jordan Dice since 2023. Like many regional malls, Midland Mall experienced pressure from the Great Recession, retailer bankruptcies, store closures, and changing shopping patterns. Steve & Barry's closed after its parent company entered bankruptcy, while several legacy anchors later disappeared or changed identity: Sears closed in 2016, JCPenney in 2017, and Younkers in 2018. The former Sears premises later accommodated a MyMichigan Health clinic. The former Elder-Beerman store became Younkers in 2016 and subsequently closed. The current tenant mix includes more than 50 stores and services, with Barnes & Noble, Dunham's Sports, Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for Less, Planet Fitness, and Target identified as major anchors or anchor-scale occupants. Midland Mall remains an active community-oriented retail property, although its long-term performance and tenant mix continue to reflect the broader evolution of enclosed shopping centers in the United States.

History

Midland Mall developed from a long-running proposal for a regional shopping center north of Midland's original commercial core. In December 1976, developer Samuel Frankel acquired an approximately 83-acre site near U.S. Route 10 and Eastman Avenue. Interstate Properties later sought an option on part of the land, but its plans encountered opposition over zoning, traffic, municipal water and sewer access, and the possibility that Midland would annex the site. A first rezoning proposal was rejected in 1978. A revised plan involving a private waste-treatment facility was approved by the township but rejected by the county planning commission in 1978, and Interstate withdrew from the process in 1979. Frankel continued independently and proposed a larger mall in June 1979. Progress was slowed by disputes surrounding a proposed annexation of Larkin Township, broader uncertainty in Midland-area retail development, and high borrowing costs. After the township-wide annexation effort failed, Frankel successfully petitioned to annex the mall site to Midland in August 1983. Legal challenges from township residents were unsuccessful. The proposed development was subsequently reduced in size, partly because the cancellation of a nuclear power plant affected local growth expectations. By 1985, the project was envisioned as a roughly 525,000-square-foot mall with about 50 stores and three anchors, provisionally called Eastman Mall. Environmental permitting created additional delays. The site contained wetlands, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources required mitigation for wetlands affected by construction. After an attempted mitigation arrangement involving property in nearby Hampton Township failed, Frankel Associates reached an agreement with the Chippewa Nature Center by early 1990. Around the same time, Frankel formed a joint venture with the Jacobs Visconsi Jacobs Group, an Ohio-based developer that had also developed Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw. The partnership assumed responsibility for construction and management. The final project was renamed Midland Mall and was planned around four anchors: Elder-Beerman, JCPenney, Sears, and Target. Sears was returning to Midland after a previous store had closed, while JCPenney was relocating from downtown. Construction began in 1990, together with plans to improve Eastman Avenue and build a frontage road. The mall opened on October 9, 1991, with 43 stores, the four anchors, and a ten-restaurant food court planned or under development. The opening featured a public ceremony, giveaways, and musical performances. The mall's first years were shaped by both regional ambitions and concerns about the effect of enclosed retail on downtown Midland. Initial merchants reported favorable holiday results, and supporters argued that the mall would keep local shoppers in Midland rather than sending them to Bay City or Saginaw. The center also attracted visitors from communities including Gladwin and Clare. By its first anniversary, reported vehicle traffic exceeded projections, and management stated that stores had met or surpassed sales expectations. Occupancy was 79 percent at the second anniversary, but sales at major tenants were generally described as healthy. Community events such as craft shows, home-improvement exhibitions, and youth activities helped make the mall a local gathering place. Tenant turnover began in the mid-1990s. Several Edison Brothers concepts closed after the company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while other stores and restaurants opened. Dow Chemical held a public centennial celebration at the mall in 1996. The surrounding district expanded rapidly in the late 1990s with OfficeMax, Lowe's, Hampton Inn, Staples, Walmart, and other large-format retailers. An adjacent Meijer store and later peripheral businesses broadened the site's role into a major commercial area. In February 2001, CBL & Associates Properties acquired Midland Mall and other Jacobs Group properties in a portfolio transaction. CBL added Barnes & Noble, facilitated tenant relocations, and supported changes to existing stores, including an expansion of Target. Steve & Barry's opened in 2004, while Home Depot, Best Buy, Walgreens, and Walmart expanded or opened nearby. The mall remained comparatively strong within the Tri-Cities area, even as the late-2000s recession reduced sales at Midland, Fashion Square, and Bay City malls. The property continued to adjust its tenant mix after the recession. Steve & Barry's closed in 2008 following its corporate bankruptcy. Its former space was subsequently associated with Campus Den and later Dunham's Sports, while other retailers such as Journeys, Vanity, rue21, and Victoria's Secret occupied or expanded space. In 2012, the Elder-Beerman location was scheduled to adopt the Younkers name. Later structural changes were more severe: Sears closed in 2016, JCPenney in 2017, and Younkers in 2018. CBL sold Midland Mall to Kohan Retail Investment Group in 2018. The referenced material identifies Jordan Dice as the owner from 2023. The mall's current identity is based on a mix of national retailers, discount and specialty stores, fitness, food, and services. Barnes & Noble, Dunham's Sports, Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for Less, Planet Fitness, and Target are identified among the principal occupants, and a MyMichigan Health clinic operates in part of the former Sears space. Midland Mall therefore represents both the traditional enclosed-mall format and the adaptive reuse of former department-store premises.

  • 2023

    Jordan Dice identified as owner

    [1]

    The referenced material identifies Jordan Dice as the property's owner from 2023.

  • 2018

    Younkers closes and ownership changes

    [1]

    Younkers closed, and CBL sold the property to Kohan Retail Investment Group.

  • 2017

    JCPenney closes

    [1]

    JCPenney ended its tenancy after operating as an original anchor.

  • 2016

    Sears closes and Elder-Beerman becomes Younkers

    [1]

    One original anchor closed while another was rebranded under the Younkers name.

  • 2011

    Dunham's Sports enters the mall

    [1]

    Dunham's Sports moved into space associated with former apparel retailers and became a major tenant.

  • 2008

    Steve & Barry's closes

    [1]

    The retailer closed its Midland location following a corporate bankruptcy.

  • 2004

    Steve & Barry's opens

    [1]

    Steve & Barry's opened a large apparel and sporting-goods store at the mall.

  • 2003

    Barnes & Noble added

    [1]

    A Barnes & Noble store became a major addition during CBL's ownership.

  • 2001

    CBL acquires the property

    [1]

    CBL & Associates Properties acquired Midland Mall from the Jacobs Group.

  • 1991

    Public opening

    [1]

    Midland Mall opened on October 9 with 43 stores and Target, Sears, JCPenney, and Elder-Beerman as original anchors.

Products and positioning

A regional enclosed shopping mall and community retail destination serving Midland and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities, combining national chain stores, anchor retailers, restaurants, services, seasonal activities, and health-care offerings.

  • Shopping mall · 1991

    Enclosed retail center

    Midland Mall's primary offering is an enclosed, climate-controlled shopping environment with more than 50 stores, services, common areas, and a food court. It serves as a regional retail destination for Midland and nearby communities.

  • Retail · 1991

    Anchor and major-format retail

    The mall's principal retail offer includes large-format and anchor-scale tenants such as Target, Barnes & Noble, Dunham's Sports, Hobby Lobby, and Ross Dress for Less. These stores cover general merchandise, books, sporting goods, crafts, apparel, and discount retail.

  • Food and events · 1991

    Food and community programming

    The center has historically offered a food court and casual dining, including early tenants such as Sbarro, McDonald's, Ruby Tuesday, and TacoTime. It has also hosted seasonal activities, craft shows, home-improvement exhibitions, youth programs, and public celebrations.

  • Services

    Health and wellness services

    The current property includes service-oriented tenants such as Planet Fitness and a MyMichigan Health clinic. The health clinic occupies part of the former Sears store, illustrating the mall's adaptation of former department-store space.

Marketing campaigns

  • 2004Steve & Barry's opening tailgate event

    United States

    Steve & Barry's marked its Midland Mall opening with a tailgate-style event, food supplied by Ruby Tuesday, and a drawing for a signed Detroit Red Wings jersey.

    Outcome. The event supported the launch of the retailer's large new store.

    Source
  • 1996Dow Chemical Centennial Celebration

    United States

    Dow Chemical held a public event at the mall to mark its 100th anniversary, featuring a silent auction, fashion show, food carts, music, and a travel-prize drawing.

    Outcome. The event used the mall as a public venue for a major local corporate celebration.

    Source
  • 1992First-anniversary retail and community events

    United States

    The mall used anniversary activity, new store openings, food-court operations, and seasonal programming to build repeat visitation after its first year.

    Outcome. Management reported that stores met or exceeded sales expectations and that vehicle traffic was above the original projection.

    Source
  • 1991Grand opening celebration

    United States

    The public opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, shopping giveaways, bags for customers, and musical performances designed to establish the mall as a major regional destination.

    Outcome. The mall opened with 43 stores, and merchants later reported favorable holiday traffic and sales.

    Source

Brand decisions

  • 2018

    Transfer ownership to Kohan Retail Investment GroupM&A

    Background

    CBL Properties divested Midland Mall after a period in which enclosed malls faced anchor closures and changing tenant economics.

    Action taken

    The property was sold to Kohan Retail Investment Group.

    Aftermath

    The mall continued operating under new ownership and later became associated with Jordan Dice as owner from 2023.

    Source

  • 2012

    Rebrand Elder-Beerman as YounkersGeneration change

    Background

    Bon-Ton market research concluded that the Younkers name was more suitable for selected Michigan stores.

    Action taken

    The Midland Mall Elder-Beerman store was scheduled to change its name to Younkers.

    Aftermath

    Younkers operated as the anchor's identity until the store closed in 2018.

    Source

  • 2001

    Sell the property to CBLM&A

    Background

    The Jacobs Group sold its mall portfolio after Midland Mall had been operating for roughly a decade.

    Action taken

    CBL & Associates Properties acquired Midland Mall in a broader portfolio transaction.

    Aftermath

    CBL introduced Barnes & Noble and made changes to selected tenant spaces and stores.

    Portfolio transaction value. (2001)

    Source

  • 1990

    Finalize a four-anchor formatStrategy

    Background

    The developers sought to create a regional destination capable of serving Midland and neighboring communities.

    Action taken

    The project was named Midland Mall and confirmed with Elder-Beerman, JCPenney, Sears, and Target as anchors.

    Aftermath

    The mall opened in 1991 with all four anchors operating.

    Source

  • 1988

    Form a development joint ventureStrategy

    Background

    Frankel Associates faced permitting and development delays and sought a partner with regional mall construction and management experience.

    Action taken

    Frankel Associates partnered with Jacobs Visconsi Jacobs Group to oversee construction and management.

    Aftermath

    The partnership advanced the project toward construction and established the final development team.

    Source

  • 1985

    Reduce the planned mall's scaleStrategy

    Background

    The original development concept was reduced as local growth expectations changed, including after cancellation of a nuclear power plant project.

    Action taken

    Frankel's proposal was revised to approximately 525,000 square feet with about 50 stores and three anchor stores.

    Aftermath

    The smaller concept ultimately evolved into the Midland Mall project developed with Jacobs Visconsi Jacobs Group.

    Source

Sources1 sources

  1. 1Midland Mallen.wikipedia.org

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