15E: Reimagine Circle Centre Mall
Develop a strategy for re-imagining Circle Centre Mall in line with best practices for mall redevelopment, including a mix of uses that should continue to include some dining, entertainment, and retail elements but also non-traditional uses like housing. The SkyWalk connectors are imperative to remain as they provide a critical link between the convention center and several hotels. Of particular importance is the preservation of the SkyWalk connections to and through the mall, inclusion of a range of dining options, and a shift to more grade-level storefronts that engage sidewalks.
Value to the Community
Circle Centre can be credited with helping to reintroduce the region to downtown when it opened in 1995, but as the retail landscape has recently shifted, many malls have lost their anchors and national brands. While this change has allowed for more locally-owned and seasonal opportunities for resident entrepreneurs, it has also contributed to several high-profile public safety issues that have tainted the image of downtown. This strategy should find ways to preserve the positive features, including shifting to more authentic, local retail and food, boost the local economy, and rebuild resident pride in downtown.Value to the Hospitality Industry
Circle Centre is an important asset in our downtown tourism package providing connected shopping, dining, and entertainment activities and serving as a lynchpin in the downtown SkyWalk system. While its attraction to visitors as a shopping destination has significantly diminished with the loss of anchors like Nordstrom, it still provides an all-weather opportunity to spend time. Its food court also offers quick and convenient daytime food options and offers connectivity to accommodations and amenities visitors to the convention center rely on.Updates
- April 2025. Construction Begins at Circle Centre Mall. As redevelopment begins, the south block of Circle Centre Mall and the skywalk to the Omni Severin Hotel will close in early April. Several stores have relocated to the north end of Circle Centre Mall, which—along with the food court and World of Wonder Garage—will remain open for now during the initial phase of construction, according to Hendricks.
- April 2024. Hendricks Acquires Mall. Hendricks Commercial Properties acquired the mall property, its first step in a $600m+ redevelopment effort.
- December 2023. New Life for Circle Center Mall. Like many malls in the Midwest, the Circle Center has seen major decline but Hendricks Commercial Properties LLC plans to buy the mall from its current 17 owners. Hendricks is more known for their development of the Bottleworks District and plans to invest $600 million into transforming the Circle Center mall. Current plans showcase an open air shopping, housing, and workplace environment. Phase one is expecting completion in 2028 with the rest following through 2033.
- January 2020. Nordstrom Reuse. Much of the former Nordstrom space has evolved to first-floor, street-oriented restaurant space, with the upper floors shifting to office space housing the IndyStar.
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