Days gone bye: The ‘death’ of Circle Centre Mall

Nearly 30 years ago, Circle Centre Mall opened to much appeal and acclaim from the residents of Indianapolis. Now, it stands as a desolate reminder of a bygone era. Once a centerpiece of shopping, dining and social gatherings, Circle Centre now finds itself at a crossroads as it contends with new ownership, shifting consumer behaviors and significantly reduced foot traffic. The mall, developed with much local excitement in the mid-1990s, originally thrived as a bustling epicenter for shoppers of all ages. Its decline, however, aligns with larger trends affecting malls nationwide. The shift in ownership from the Simon Family to Hendricks Commercial Properties around the tune of $600 million and a subsequent re-evaluation of business priorities has contributed to a noticeable loss in tenant occupancy. Many long-standing stores have closed or relocated, creating empty storefronts that only deepen the sense of abandonment. Jennifer Valme, a long-time Indianapolis resident, recalls the mall’s golden years. “Circle Centre was the mall when I was growing up,” Valme told the Indianapolis Recorder. “I remember when I was younger, I begged my mom to take me to the mall often, not just to shop but to be in the midst of all of the action...