Eden Prairie City Council endorses major redevelopment plan for struggling mall

Eden Prairie Center, once a bustling retail hub, is facing significant challenges as it seeks to revitalize its struggling spaces. Built in the mid-1970s, the mall is the third largest in Minnesota, boasting 1.4 million square feet of retail space. However, the closure of JCPenney last year has added to the woes of the mall, which is grappling with high vacancy rates in its inline retail areas.

The mall, which once attracted 12 million visitors annually, now sees that number drop to between 7 and 8 million. This decline is attributed to the rise of online shopping, which has severely impacted foot traffic and overall economic viability. Despite these challenges, the Eden Prairie Center remains a vital regional asset, providing 2,400 jobs and drawing visitors from across the area.

In response to these economic pressures, the City of Eden Prairie is encouraging a major redevelopment plan aimed at transforming the north end of the mall. This ambitious proposal includes demolishing the existing structures from JCPenney to the Center Court area and replacing them with a mix of housing, hotel, office space, and entertainment options. City officials believe this redevelopment is crucial for restoring the mall's value and maintaining its status as one of the largest employers in the region.

To support this initiative, the city is seeking flexibility to utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to address the significant economic gaps created by the necessary demolition and redevelopment work. The hope is that these changes will breathe new life into the Eden Prairie Center, ensuring its future as a key destination for both shopping and community engagement.