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As I recall, there were supposed to be 3 major anchor stores as a condition precedent to even going forward with the mall. The 3rd major anchor was to be located just off the Circle and would be a gateway into the mall. Of course, the 3rd major anchor never materialized. Simon got around this by getting everyone to agree to count a group of stores as a major anchor. Oh yes, Simon also lowered their percentage of ownership prior to the mall opening and has continued to lower its ownership stake ver since.
I owned two franchise businesses that operated out of the Castleton and Greenwood Park malls. I recall asking the franchisor at the time the Circle Centre Mall was under consideration if I should consider opening a store there. Their answer was “no.” Their experience had been that urban malls do not work. Perhaps the IBJ should put what has happened with the Circle Centre mall into perspective and look at the history of urban malls.
You are correct that Circle Centre is just one more example of how the traditional shopping mall model is problematic in an urban setting. There are examples in many cities. Indeed, you could argue that it’s not even the first example in downtown Indianapolis, if you count Union Station. Of course, that traditional mall model is increasingly problematic in the suburbs, too. Castleton is certainly not quite what it used to be, nor Lafayette Square or Washington Square.
But, it’s worth considering whether the success of Circle Centre should be judged only by whether it has thrived in the long-term as a traditional shopping mall. Take a look at the list of original owner-partners. Other than Simon, none of those corporations had any real strategic desire to be in the mall business. They bought in as good corporate citizens, as Indianapolis companies traditionally have in other situations, because they desired to have a healthy downtown. And despite the annoying drumbeat of anti-mayor commenters on the IBJ website, if you take a look at downtown Indianapolis, it is far healthier and more vibrant than it was before Circle Centre opened, with lots of hustle and bustle, retail and restaurant activity, and an ever-increasing amount of high-end housing. That’s certainly not all because of Circle Centre, but the mall was a significant part of the story of a downtown rebirth that would make many other cities envious.
Now, the remaining owners recognize that the Circle Centre model needs to evolve (just as it needs to evolve for many of our suburban malls). Good for them, and best of luck to them!
“The 3rd major anchor was to be located just off the Circle and would be a gateway into the mall. Of course, the 3rd major anchor never materialized.”
The mall did not happen north of Washington Street because the Goodman family retained ownership of its properties on the first block of West Washington.
Circle Centre was successful and very important to downtown from its opening in September 1995 to, say, a few years after Nordstrom left on July 31, 2011, so twenty years.
I was encouraged that nine of the 17 owners are, I think, Indiana based and that The Lilly Retirement Plan Master Trust is the majority shareholder.
What about a LARGE INDOOR PLAYPLACE? A cross between Monkey Joes, Chuckie Cheese, and Great Times. This would include indoor black light mini golf, go-carts, and an indoor playground.
Most indoor play places them have closed since this stupid pandemic hit. Or has the public bought into all the fear the media and naysayers about the 6′ away nonsense? Would it help parents feel better if the kids wore goggles, mask, and nurses gloves?
Keep and expand restaurants all around periphery of mall. Convert 1-2 floors to high-end apartments; 1-2 floors high-end boutique hotel. Keep and expand entertainment options on 4th floor. And a Target or similar in Carson’s spot. Lots of potential in CC Mall redevelopment.
Don’t forget the unused upper floors of the old Ayres building. Definitely should be residential or hotel.
The Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Arcade in Cleveland is a great smaller scale example of what you were describing Michael. It’s not a bad idea and has shown to be possible!