Once Popular Mall Closes Doors This Week In Western New York

The economic and shopping landscape in Buffalo and Western New York has changed quite a bit in the last few years. It wasn't all that long ago when we had several large shopping malls all over the area that gave a variety of locations to get some retail therapy in, but lately, that's not the case.

Now, the region is on the verge of having once less mall as the Eastern Hills Mall is ready to shut its exterior doors for good.

Eastern Hills Mall Is Set To Close This Weekend

Sitting about 11 miles from downtown Buffalo, the once mighty mall on Transit Road with nearly 1 million square feet of space is looking at its last days in its current form.

If you want to take a final look at the inside of the massive shopping complex, this is your last chance, as the mall is closing the shopping center's interior this weekend. Retail shops and restaurants with their own exterior doors will remain open, but all of the interior tenants have been asked to vacate, as the mall inside will be closed off for good.

According to the Buffalo News, the mall is being converted to a new town center in Clarence. The new town center will have a mix of green space, a hotel, retail shops, restaurants, and residential units.

Uniland Development, the firm doing the redevelopment, starts this project as the first step in a multi-phase project to reform that area of Clarence.

Upon full buildout, Uniland and MDC are planning about 1,500 residential units, one million square feet of office and medical space, multiple restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and a park for outdoor events. Most of site will be accessible within a 10-minute walk... Restaurants within the town center will have patios offering views of lush landscaping and sidewalks as opposed to parking lots. Residents will be able to walk to the grocery store, park, and ice cream shop, and experience movies, concerts, and other events. Office workers will be able to walk to restaurants, fitness centers, and have access to numerous services like healthcare, childcare, and salons.
-Uniland Development

To say it's an exciting time for the Northtowns is an understatement, but while I'm excited for what's to come, I am sad to see the mall go.