Regency Square Mall Plans New Gas Station and Convenience Store
In Jacksonville, Florida, exciting redevelopment plans are underway for the Regency Square Mall, which has been largely vacant for years. A site plan submitted to city utility JEA reveals plans for a 5,200-square-foot convenience store and gas station on approximately 1.42 acres of the property located at 9501 Arlington Expressway.
Details of the Development
The planned project is referred to as “CK Atlantic Blvd & Monument Rd,” suggesting a possible partnership with the convenience store chain Circle K. This gas station is part of a larger effort to redevelop the eastern part of the mall, as indicated in a site plan by EnVision Design & Engineering dated September 25.
Currently, the mall only houses two operating stores, Rogers Jewelers and Tokyo Sakura, a food court tenant. Access to the mall is limited, as it is only open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and visitors can only enter from the food court section. The mall’s remaining areas are roped off, highlighting the need for significant action to revitalize the property.
Future of the Regency Square Mall
The proposed redevelopment indicates that the eastern section might face demolition, although no specific plans have been finalized apart from the gas station. The east mall is marked as Main Parcel 2, while the adjacent parking lot is denoted as Main Parcel 1. Existing structures such as the Impact Church and Dillard’s Clearance Center are independently owned and excluded from the master plan.
Regency Mall Realty LLC, owned by partners Mason Asset Management and Namdar Realty Group, has a contract to sell their portion of the mall, encompassing about 74 acres and 980,200 square feet of retail space. The potential buyers, Blackwater Development LLC, aim to complete the purchase by the first quarter of 2025, according to President Rurmell McGee. McGee emphasized the importance of demolition for future redevelopment.
Challenges Ahead
Before any major redevelopment can begin, the current owners must settle over $1.66 million in city code compliance fines related to the property, which have been accumulating since February 2022. The fines stem from various issues, including leaks and damages. City officials noted that ongoing discussions with prospective buyers are key to resolving these fines.
McGee stated that his team is optimistic about making progress and is in communication with the city regarding settlement options. “The city has been incredibly supportive,” he mentioned.
A Look Back
Originally opened in 1967, the Regency Square Mall once boasted more than 100 stores and was a major retail destination in the Southeast. However, it has struggled in recent years due to increased competition and changing real estate trends, leading to a significant decline in occupancy.
Efforts to revitalize the mall have included previous sales of properties within the complex, including successful transactions involving the AMC Theatres and Belk department store, which highlight the potential for profitable development if handled successfully.
As Jacksonville looks ahead, the proposed gas station and convenience store could be a crucial step in rejuvenating the Regency Square Mall and bringing life back to this once-thriving shopping center.
