Mall demolition has begun; public asked to be patient
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CHUBBUCK — Over the weekend, the last of the Pine Ridge Mall merchants moved out, leaving behind an empty shell of a beloved mall that meant so much to the community. By Monday, demolition was underway, and the walls began to come down.
The heart of the mall, including interior corridors and the former JCPenney store, is now fenced off with big construction equipment on site, signaling that full-scale demolition is underway to make room for a new Target superstore and open-air shopping center.
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Amid the activity, construction workers are asking for the public’s patience as parking access and traffic flow around the Pine Ridge Mall area may be disrupted in the coming weeks.
Though the central portion is being torn down, business continues along the mall’s perimeter where several merchants remain open or have temporarily relocated.
According to Josh Simon, CEO of SimonCRE, the development group spearheading the project, the most significant disruptions are expected to occur over the next few weeks as work continues near Hobby Lobby and the temporary Buckle location.
“We ask for patience over the next several months as the parking lot and adjoining improvements are done,” Simon said. “The next few weeks will be the most disruptive. Once the parking in front of Hobby Lobby and the temporary Buckle location is done later this month, there should be minimal disruptions.”
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Despite the challenges, Simon emphasized that signage is posted, and accommodations are being made to ensure access to open businesses.
The old Cal Ranch building, adjacent to Hobby Lobby, is now serving as a temporary home for Buckle. This longtime mall fashion retailer has transitioned locations without missing a single day of business.
The former ZCMI, Dillard’s, and Herberger’s building will remain as part of the reimagined shopping center. Encore Shoes is scheduled to reopen there in June, and the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center has already resumed operations in the same building.
Deseret Book, another former mall tenant, plans to reopen on the north end of the property, near Planet Fitness; however, an official opening date has not been announced.
Businesses on the backside of the mall including Planet Fitness, Cal Ranch and Gem Prep Charter School shouldn’t be affected by the progress.
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Since the mall’s demolition marks the end of an era, some in the community have expressed interest in preserving elements of its past.
When asked whether any of the nostalgic signage or recognizable interior fixtures might be salvaged, Simon said those decisions are still under consideration.
Though not quite business as usual, it’s still business nonetheless for the handful of merchants navigating the mall’s transition.
Amy Cano, manager of Buckle, emphasized that there is designated parking for Buckle and Hobby Lobby, open businesses most affected by the demolition at this stage. She encourages everyone to support the open businesses during this time of change.
