Summit Place Mall: A Michigan Time Capsule - What Happened?

Summit Place Mall Michigan evokes strong memories for many residents. Once a thriving hub of commerce and community, the rise of online retail significantly impacted its fortunes. Anchor stores, like Sears, played a crucial role in its initial success, drawing crowds from across the region. The mall's architecture, a product of its time, now stands as a stark reminder of changing consumer habits. Today, discussions about redevelopment and future uses continue to swirl around the vacant Summit Place Mall Michigan.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Genre Collection , from the video titled Mall Review: Summit Place Mall in Waterford Township, Michigan .

Summit Place Mall: A Michigan Time Capsule - What Happened?

Summit Place Mall in Waterford Township, Michigan, once a bustling hub of commerce and community, now stands as a stark reminder of changing times and the evolution of retail landscapes. What happened to this once-vibrant landmark? Let's delve into the history and decline of Summit Place Mall, exploring the factors that contributed to its eventual demise.

A Brief History of Summit Place

Originally named Pontiac Mall, Summit Place opened its doors in 1966. It quickly became a regional shopping destination, attracting shoppers from across Oakland County and beyond. The mall boasted a wide array of retailers, department stores, and restaurants, offering a comprehensive shopping experience.

• Early Success: The initial years saw Summit Place thrive, fueled by a growing suburban population and a strong local economy. Its strategic location near major roadways contributed significantly to its accessibility and popularity.
• Expansions and Renovations: Over the years, the mall underwent several expansions and renovations to keep up with changing consumer tastes and retail trends. These efforts included adding new anchor stores, upgrading common areas, and introducing entertainment options.

The Seeds of Decline

Despite its initial success and subsequent renovations, Summit Place Mall began to face challenges in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Several factors contributed to its gradual decline:

• Increased Competition: The emergence of newer, more modern shopping malls in the surrounding areas presented a significant competitive challenge. These newer malls often offered more amenities, a wider selection of retailers, and a more contemporary shopping experience.
• Economic Downturns: Economic recessions in Michigan significantly impacted consumer spending and retail sales. As businesses struggled, many retailers closed their doors, leaving vacant storefronts within Summit Place.
• Changing Consumer Habits: The rise of online shopping dramatically altered the retail landscape. Consumers increasingly turned to the internet for their shopping needs, reducing foot traffic to traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

The Loss of Anchor Tenants

The departure of major anchor tenants proved to be a critical blow to Summit Place Mall. Anchor stores are crucial for driving traffic to a mall, and their absence can trigger a downward spiral.

• Major Departures: Over time, Summit Place lost key anchor tenants such as Sears, Hudson's (later Marshall Field's and eventually Macy's), and JCPenney. These departures left large sections of the mall vacant and further diminished its appeal to shoppers and other retailers.
• Domino Effect: The departure of anchor stores often triggered a domino effect, leading smaller retailers to close their doors as well. As occupancy rates declined, the mall became increasingly desolate and unattractive to shoppers.

Redevelopment Attempts and Eventual Closure

In the face of declining fortunes, various redevelopment plans were proposed for Summit Place Mall. However, none of these plans came to fruition.

• Failed Proposals: Several developers expressed interest in redeveloping the site, but these projects faced various obstacles, including financing challenges, zoning issues, and disagreements over the future vision for the property.
• Final Days: As the mall continued to struggle, its ownership changed hands multiple times. Ultimately, the mall was closed to the public in 2009, marking the end of an era.

The Abandoned Mall: A Modern Ruin

Following its closure, Summit Place Mall sat abandoned for many years, becoming a target for vandalism and urban exploration.

• Deterioration: The empty building suffered from neglect and vandalism. The interior gradually deteriorated, with broken windows, graffiti-covered walls, and overgrown vegetation.
• Safety Concerns: The abandoned mall posed significant safety concerns due to structural issues and the presence of hazardous materials.
• Urban Exploration: Despite the safety risks, Summit Place became a popular destination for urban explorers who documented its decay and shared their experiences online.

Demolition and Future Plans

In recent years, the long-awaited demolition of Summit Place Mall finally took place.

• Demolition Begins: Demolition of the main mall structure commenced in 2020, marking the beginning of the end for the once-proud shopping center.
• Future Vision: Plans are underway to redevelop the site into a mixed-use development that will include residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The future vision for the property aims to create a vibrant new community hub that will revitalize the surrounding area.

Video: Summit Place Mall: A Michigan Time Capsule - What Happened?

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So, as you reflect on the story of Summit Place Mall Michigan, it's hard not to feel a little nostalgic. What do you think should happen to the space now?