They have signed a lease and are going to try to remain open, Cincinnati Mall plans for new sports complex. Is Bub City currently offering delivery or takeout? The Forest Fair Mall was opened in 1989 and originally featured Bigg's Hypermarket, Bonwit Teller, B. Altman, Elder-Beerman, Parisian, and Sakowitz as anchor stores. I left the conversation with a promising understanding that an extension would occur, Geisler told the Journal-News. Following up on the incredible Volkswagen graveyard, this junkyard is far smaller with only a handful of vehicles but every bit as photogenic. put stuff in there for teens and kids to do like ice skating roller skating the movie theater bowling jump zone games dance room! When I moved to Ohio at the age of 14, the first place I went was FFM. The Butler County land bank won $7.9 million of the demolition money to raze the old Forest Fair Mall now called the Cincinnati Mall along Interstate 275, the total demolition is estimated at $10.5 million and there is a $2.6 million local match the developer would pay. and our This mall was also built off an exit that didn't get nearly the development as around the area's other malls. 21 The company worked out a payment schedule with the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority to pay the late assessments and taxes owed. The remainder of the money was to be awarded on a first come first served basis. Fairfield, Ohio bordered with Forest Park, Ohio | Forest park, Butler county, Hamilton county Travel Destinations US Destinations Uploaded to Pinterest Bourbon Street nightclubs at Forest Fair Mall. Carryout read more, This Fathers Day weekend order up one of our BBQ packages. read more, We are open for limited dining on our patio and in our read more. Butler County officials are confident they will be able to get an extension to June 2024 to preserve an $8 million state grant to down the old Forest Fair Mall, but some Fairfield officials arent wild about what might come next. Grill (Fairview Mall) Menu and Delivery in Toronto Too far to deliver Location and hours 1800 Sheppard Ave E Unit F4, North York, Ontario M2J 5A7 Sunday 10:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday 10:45 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Yea, I don't ever remember hearing anything about a shooting inside the mall. I think I placed the date of the substation too far ahead, so I'll correct that. 2, The malls fortunes mirrored the Mills Corporations finances by April 2006. 4 20 The mall was rededicated as Cincinnati Mills on August 19, 2004. When the state biennial budget passed in June 2021, it allocated $150 million for commercial and residential demolitions and $350 million for brownfield remediation. Former Media Play entrance. 1 / 14. Even the bathrooms had the water shut off. The place certainly had it's problems back in the day and there was crime. Grab a copy of the Abandoned Kentucky hardcover book, available in stores and on Amazon. In January 2011, 18 Cincinnati Holding announced that the mall would undergo significant changes, including the construction of Candlewood Suites, a 100,000 square-foot ice hockey arena, an indoor mountain bike facility, a 76,000 square-foot agriculture museum, and an indoor water park. The Kroger store was located in the north end of the mall, near where the food court is now located. 2 March 2010. Cincinnati Mall has replaced the former Metropolis Night Club, which close in June 2011, with a new night club tenant. Bourbon Street must have been on the upper level of the old Bonwit Teller, back when it was Festivals of Forest Fair. In 2002, the Mills Corporation purchased the Malls at Forest Fair for $69.4 million and began a $70 million renovation project in February 2003. Also, Sharonville is not a surrounding suburb of Cincinnati Mills. An update from my post yesterday. The interior of the mall is (by my estimate) about 95% empty. I encourage you to stop by there and take a walk through this unique work of art before it is shuttered. I don't think I personally have ever felt threatened walking around there. I worked for bigg's at Forest Fair Mall when it first opened in 1988. Construction should begin soon on the Sports Ice rink in the former Biggs location. I do remember the rumors of gangs roaming it in the 90's though. I was thinking, "If I want to go to a rough bar, I think I'll stick to ones around here, not the one all the way up at the mall.". events and such there. The property, which is. For more information, please see our Bottom line Do not put a middle class mall directly between a high class and a low class mall. LOL Yeah they sure did have a fog machine in there. Keep in mind, the place was PACKED with people, and she just laid them down there for anyone to take off with. The mall was dead from the start. 2. This cinema has been closed since 2014, Entries #2 and #8 and Steve & Barrys. Mall cinema shuts down. Cincinnati Enquirer 2 March 2010. Not looking for aForest Fair Village Forest Fair Mall Cincinnati Mills Mall Cincinnati Mall photographer? 11. They even had a Virtual Reality place there. Bourbon Street Memories - Forest Fair Mall, Cincinnati. While I agree with you about the anti-downtown attitude most suburbanites seem to place on downtown while not looking in their own backyard (i.e. Please join our group and share your memories/pictures of one of Cincinnati's unique nightclubs located on the second floor of the now defunct Forest Fair Mall. There was a large incident at Metropolis in 2008 (IIRC), which may have been posted here, where about 200 youths got rowdy and started causing mass disruptions at the night club and throughout the mall. No one in Fairfield or Forest Park could afford Bonwit Teller. I don't think it was your intention to mislead anyone and I didn't mean to imply that, however, the overall tone made it sound as if the mall was a warzone, it wasn't. 12 Nov. 2008. 12 Nov. 2008. I use to go there in the early 90s when it was call Super Savor Cinemas 8. After that is was called Danberry Dollar Saver Cinemas and then lastly The Screens at Cincinnati Mall This is just 1 of 2 cinemas, that was located at the mall. The land bank applied for $11.5 million to topple 51 eyesores with the the Ohio Department of Development last February and was awarded $8.7 million in October. The majority of the mall property is in Hamilton County, but those officials had already submitted demolition applications to the state so Hillwood came to Butler County for help. 12 Nov. 2008. The local government will need to clear the tax liens before anything happens with this property. Do they still have fishing in the Food Court fountain? Such good memories. It really puts things into perspective. Or R20^llin? [], [] https://abandonedonline.net/location/cincinnati-mall/ BACKGROUND MUSIC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQyzEyIf7P0&t=254s []. Closed in 2006Escalator up to the entertainment district Bourbon Street. There are other locations throughout the Cincy area, and I think it might (?) Fun fact, I went to Metropolis over the summer on its last day of operation. Regardless if the mall had "crime" or not (I'm sure Kenwood and Tri-County had "crime" as well), it was a safe mall and I do remember it well in the 90's. I don't think Metropolis is accessible through the main mall though. The ice rinks can melt to be used instead for soccer or even car shows. PHOTOS: When Forest Fair Mall was full and thriving. Kenwood? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. My friend was working with a woman at the Macys watch counter. Copyright 2003-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) UrbanOhio.com, All Rights Reserved. Turn it into a hotel with outlet stores in it or a entertainment center like scene 75 with outlet stores. There are two other major malls within several miles of this one that were built earlier with more stable (in the long run) anchor stores like Sears and JCPenney. Follow Us: About Us; Contact Us; Hours; WestShore Plaza, 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa . The gangs were not walking around the other malls like they were at Forest Parks, Forest Fair Mall. Maybe drop ceilings were there?? Phone # Not Available . They didn't put a substation there to curtail crime, it had always been there. Explore! There are more, but the NewsBank is giving me fits right now. By continuing past this page and/or using this site, you agree to abide by the Terms of Use for this site, which prohibit commercial use of any information on this site. 19 SMT-Reddit 19 days ago "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers. Its a gateway to the community so were concerned with what plans and what companies want to bring to us., Fairfield Economic Development Manager Nathaniel Kaelin told the Journal-News there have been discussions about keeping the Kohls store intact and they expect the developer will work with Kohls to determine how they fit into a redevelopment project.. This mall has changed hands again and is undergoing another rebrand. I also remember after seeing the film my parents took me and my sisters to Wonderpark to conclude our time there. Now it looks like the Metropolis may remain open at the mall. Several articles from August 1998 about a series of gang-related robberies in the area malls, including Forest Fair, that are violent and involve guns. I thought it was a nice mall, only went there a couple of times-where liveliness go ? Called the COP Shop. Also, you can't enter the nightclub from within the mall itself, you have to go outside. I've worked at both Tri-County and Springdale and both had cops in there at all times working out of the customer service desk. Also supposed to be opening are Arcade Legacy (opened Feb 12), Extreme Baseball Academy, Bee Active Adventure Zone, Universal Fitness, Brain Freeze Treats and Grill, and Body of Influence. From what I remember from the bigg's section there was a travel agency, a hair salon, CompUSA, and I believe a Japanese steak house (that may have come a little later). Counties have until Feb. 13, 2023 to request a grant extension for the Demolition and Site Revitalization Program. Mike DeWines office last fall about the deadline that appeared to jeopardize the $8 million project. I didn't realize that Metropolis was open that recently, but I haven't been on that side of the mall in a very long time. Privacy Policy. Amazingly, the entire mall is still open to the public. The bleeding of tenants only accelerated which led Showcase Cinemas to close onFebruary 28, 2010. Youre lucky the lights are kept on! This one seen its demise in 2013 after only being opened for just 9 yearsInside the Showcase Cinemas 10Not sure why the rafters were visible in some of the garage roofs. Steve & Barrys filed bankruptcy in 2009, andthe Forests Fair site was closed in 2008One of the original anchors, Elder-Beerman closed its doors in 2004. If all these open, wonder how much activity this will bring to the mall or I am sorry - village. Crab Du Jour offers experience-driven seafood dining in a fun, communal atmosphere, perfect for friends and family. That was your quote, not mine. The mall itself wasn't open, just the nightclub. Hooker sought bankruptcy protection in September, claiming debts of $1.7 billion. Everything else 2 days before Christmas was boarded up except for bass pro shops (about to close) and babies R us. By The mall underwent two major renovations since its debut. Cincinnati Mills owner to be acquired. Associated Press 17 Jan. 2007. There was a rumor that there were gang wars inside Forest Fair during the 1990s, guess it was true after all? I'll never forget being amazed by the indoor Ferris wheel and all the games. Demeropolis, Tom. Where else in the world would you be legally allowed to enter premises that are closed for business. Denise has been reporter with Cox since 2006. The mall's former names include Cincinnati Mall, Cincinnati Mills, and Forest Fair Mall. 19 In a move to restore the malls viability, the company renamed the property Cincinnati Mall and sought non-traditional tenants to fill the empty shopping center. Not that its pretty much gone, Cincinnati may have to do what was done with the old Markets International mall (remember that? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 1 10 It thrived with three anchors, 145 inline tenants, several themed restaurants and nightclubs, and two movie theatres, and boasted an occupancy rate of 93%. The $7.9 million grant the county land bank received to raze the eyesore along Interstate 275 last year appeared to be in jeopardy because the May 31 deadline was impossible to reach. Officials have estimated it could take 12 to 18 months to down such a massive development. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A mall of this size, and in its location (which was a poor idea to start with) simply wont work. However, I sometimes go to the one at Cincinnati Mall because my brother works in Fairfield, so I can meet him for lunch. Bourbon Street Cafe. Once the request is received, Development will work with the entity to execute their awards, she said. ^It was called Bourbon St. The music venue is beautiful and the food as always is so so good. That does not make them gangs and isolated incidents hardly make something a big problem. Enjoy thisForest Fair Village Forest Fair Mall Cincinnati Mills Mall Cincinnati Mall photography provided byBargePhotography offeringnature and skyline nature photography in theCincinnati metro area and the entire country. Megan Nagy with the DoD told the Journal-News they are willing to extend the deadlines if counties ask but she wouldnt address Butler County specifically. The Fast, Easy Way Find What You're Shopping For In-Store. Web Site: Not Available . Like I'm sure no one has ever stolen a thing from that entire mall. ever.stupid Bi*ch. Scope it here: http://www.labelscar.com/ohio/forest-fair-mall-cincinnati-mills-cincinnati-mall-cincinnati-ohio. Getting it demolished is a great idea, weve been wanting it done, Rhodus said. The mall, formerly known as Cincinnati Mills, and originally Forest Fair Mall, has struggled for decades in trying to create a successful business plan to draw consistent crowds. Thats my unprofessional real opinion, I was there. The funding was approved in 2021 but it took a while for the state to develop grant guidelines. And the articles you posted are about a variety of malls which includes Forest Fair. 6 March 2009. The name was changed to Cincinnati Mall in 2009. Opening in 1988 with Biggs hypermarket and some inline tenants, it really took off with the 1989 completion of its fashion wing that added B. Altman, Biggs, Bonwit Teller, Elder-Beerman, and Parisian, along with 200 stores. The mall was originally called "Forest Fair Mall" and went through several name changes throughout its life, including "Cincinnati Mills Mall," "Cincinnati Mall," and now "Forest Fair Mall." It is the second largest . Hi Brittney, According to the funding application, the property is currently valued at $9.2 million, with $2 million of that on the Butler County side. The potential developer is aware of the citys comprehensive plan, including the area plan for the South Gilmore/Mack Road area., Chris Anderson, Forest Parks director of community development said they havent met with Hillwood recently, but as far as I know everythings moving along, a little slower than we thought but still moving.. That was your quote, not mine. I took my niece and nephew there all the time. * Perception that under Forest Fair management, the mall had become a gang hangout. They had a very strange experience to say the least when visiting at night back in 2010. Like Bourbon Street Memories - Forest Fair Mall Forest Fair Village - Cincinnati, OH | Barge Photography West lower level of the mall That hardly seems to indicate some Forest Park- Fairfield turf war being waged inside the mall. Found some papers that I obtained that should provide more specifically the crime that occurred in the mall. I told you I loved Bourbon Street lolCant remember the name of this place. this would be a fun place! The three times that I went there in the past year were at night, and during the time when the club was open, and it was very uncomfortable to walk anywhere near the car and not be followed, or see general shit happen. p. 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOREST FAIR VILLAGE By the Numbers. The extension will modify the current end date of grant agreements from May 31, 2023 to June 30, 2024.. Its crazy to think this mall is still standing after all these years. He told the land bank board a year ago they were just beginning redevelopment talks with Fairfield and Forest Park but they hope to put light industrial buildings on the site that could have a value of $150 million and potentially produce 900 to 1,500 jobs. That could work. It's easy! I remember watching the ruckus from the hotel parking lot across the way cause I saw all the cop cars on my way home from work. That was the main reason for the initial failure of the Forest Fair Mall. Unsafe?!?! Are you kidding me? That's sad. Many of the walkways and escalators are barricaded off. P&G subsidiary in Hamilton to close, lay off 122, Best of Butler County 2023: Vote online for your favorites. From working at that store, I know they had a massive security apparatus. It had games and some movies for sale. It was rumored when the West Chester Bass Pro Shops/Cabelas opened in 2016, this location would close, but fortunately, this location is holding its own and has stayed open, Cincinnati in orange | Barge Photography Get the inside scoop (and a chance at a $1,000 shopping spree) today. On one occasion when she went several cases away to show him some better merch, she just left a few watches that were worth several hundred $$ apiece on the counter instead of placing them back in the locked case. and our Or a good location for a Halloween scare. Probably a good spot for laser tag or paintballing in the future. Sherman, you're my friend and I enjoyed reading this, but that is nothing for than mere speculation attempted to be put forward as fact. So thanks Forest Fair-we loved you. Privacy Policy. That place was great fun! Also, the substation closes with the main mall and doesn't stay open with Metropolis. Watch out for that Ferris wheel ya'll! Cincinnati Mall, formerly known as Forest Fair Mall and Cincinnati Mills, is an ailing shopping center in Fairfield, Ohio. I picked them up and walked down to where my friend was, and after their final exchange, I handed her the watches, explaining I wasn't sure if she knew they had been left out. Parisian moved to Kenwood and Bass Pro Shops occupies that space. The Butler County Land Bank applied for $9.5 million in state funding to raze dilapidated and abandoned buildings, with the bulk of the money, if approved, going to tear down Cincinnati Mall. Ben Davis with Hillwood could not be reached for comment but told the Journal-News previously they couldnt comment because they didnt yet own the property. I'll concede that it is entirely possible that gang members went to the mall but the idea that it was a threatening or dangerous place is ludicris. Saks Off Fifth signed open as an anchor outlet store in August 2000 followed by Burlington Coat Factory in October and Bass Pro Shops in November. Fairfield Mayor Mitch Rhodus told the Journal-News while he would be thrilled to see the eyesore demolished he isnt wild about warehouses at the citys front door. The deadline to apply for funding was last February but the awards with the May demolition completion deadline werent announced until October. Even the Tot Lots went up there to Metropolis on occasion! If you want to use this photo please contact me (Nicholas Eckhart) in one of the following ways: >Send an email to eckhartnicholas@yahoo.com. Steve & Barrys filed bankruptcy in 2009, andthe Forests Fair site was closed in 2008, One of the original anchors, Elder-Beerman closed its doors in 2004. The big mistake was putting in such high dollar stores initially. Never said it was a warzone. Boyer, Mike. The mall still seems most commonly refered to as Cincinnati Mills. I'll post this up in an article soon. It is interesting to walk the ghost-town mall. "Did you know that MS-13 roamed the mall back, and in the surrounding suburbs of Sharonville and Winton Woods?". 11 Not long after, Showcase Cinemas, a first-run multiplex movie theater, opened on the lower level in the food court, replacing the Time Out game arcade. The mall suffers from crime, hence the need for a police substation (how many other malls have that? I just moved to Cincinnati a month ago and discovered this by accident. Note, the logo is still present on the groundtoday, Place 2 B Nite Club This nightclub replaced the former nightclub Metropolis. All rights reserved. Tri-County?). I had to cut through the Bass Pro Shop to get there. I shopped at Parisian once I graduated from college but the selection was small and it was still expensive. Will have the memories forever though!! Is this now Metropolis? Sorry Sherman, but the implications of both statements are both misleading. STORES. I encourage you to stop by there and take a walk through this unique work of art before it is shuttered. The club, for people ages 21 and up, is scheduled to open this summer. Not so, now. Sounds more like a place for toddlers and tots to hang out. Biggs in Forest Park to close. Cincinnati Enquirer 14 May 2008. I told you I loved Bourbon Street lol. Metropolis was opened in November of 2000 at this new location, after the closure of Bourbon StreetFormer Ruby Tuesday then MargaritasThe 2nd of the 2 anchors left. And I remember accessing it from within the mall via a escalator. The remains of the mall, and its only current tenant (an arcade), features in YouTuber Adam the Woos daily vlog #1490 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZaTbToRWNw). If you put in a school and some offices, that will lend itself to a bustling food court and some retail options. The Cottrill Opera House in Thomas, West Virginia opened in 1902 and closed in the 1970s. Found this out firsthand, the management will try anything to keep it out of the papers. One was done in the early 1990s to make the mall more of a . Just seen an article that states Cincinnati Mall will change names once again. Sign up for a new account in our community. Note, the logo is still present on the groundtodayPlace 2 B Nite Club This nightclub replaced the former nightclub Metropolis. The three times that I went there in the past year were at night, and during the time when the club was open, and it was very uncomfortable to walk anywhere near the car and not be followed, or see general sh!t happen. Entry #7Only Bass Pro and Kohls are openMall entry #6 looking into the old Biggs HypermarketEast end of the mall. Bonwit Teller closed in October 1990, followed by B. Altman and Sakowitz in November. 12 Nov. 2008. It was safe and the Time Out area was beautiful with indoor putt putt and merry go round. PHOTOS: When Forest Fair Mall was full and thriving, State says it will work to make Forest Fair demolition happen. And I'm not an english major but your second statement certainly sounds like you are talking about suburbs surrounding the mall. ), You also forget that in the winter of 1992, 2 rival gangs went to the Forest Fair Mall and started a, Forest Fair Mall / Cincinnati Mills / Cincinnati Mall, http://www.labelscar.com/ohio/forest-fair-mall-cincinnati-mills-cincinnati-mall-cincinnati-ohio. Was there a Parisian there when it first opened or did that come later too? Northgate? We couldnt find the damned thing. Arcade Legacy is actually pretty neat and run by some really nice guys. Cincinnati Mills sold again. Cincinnati Enquirer 2 Jan. 2009. It was rumored when the West Chester Bass Pro Shops/Cabelas opened in 2016, this location would close, but fortunately, this location is holding its own and has stayed open, Cincinnati Wedding Photographer | West Chester Photographer | Cincy Bride, OHIO spring NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BARGE PHOTOGRAPHY, Amy & Stephen are married! Place 2 B will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights offering live music, DJs, Thursday college nights and other events. My (ex)girlfriend's friend's brother was Ultimate Fighting there. The mall has changed hands more times than I can remember, and now has just 5 tenants, including the two anchors, Kohls and Bass Pro. The mall is the second largest mall in Ohio with 1,500,000 square feet. Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix, who chairs the land bank board, said she finds it hard to believe their grant wouldnt be extended. Also, again, I don't think crime was as rampant there as you make it seem. Northgate? According to the Butler and Hamilton county auditors websites, the properties have not been sold. Biggs occupied the entire right side, Showcase Cinemas 10 The 2nd of 2 cinemas located at the mall. Anyone?? Former Forest Fair Mall, other buildings will be demolished if funds come through., Demeropolis, Tom. I just walked around there yesterday, and there are no stores open except for the anchors, the Danberry movie theatre, and one restaurant in the food court. Funny thingI typically avoid malls like the plague, but was at kenwood tagging along with a friend during the Holiday madness. This mall is very modern for a dead mall. Can't make it to us? Skin therapist at Ulta at Bridgewater Falls hits service sales Local IKEA celebrates Black entrepreneurs with $25K grant. She covers Butler County including all elected office holders, departments and independent boards; Liberty, Ross and West Chester townships. Welcome back to where it all started, FOREST FAIR MALL, to celebrate 1,000 subscribers with a newly re-rerecorded, re-shot, re-mastered, re-booted edition. Cincinnati Mall works on debt plan., Baverman, Laura. One was done in the early 1990s to make the mall more of a discount-based mall and cost $8 Million. Were there any larger stores in the bigg's wing besides the sporting goods shop and the bigg's?