Michigan’s Adrian Mall Could Get a $70 Million Second Act

There was a specific smell inside Michigan's Adrian Mall that should be bottled and sold to Gen X as aromatherapy: Hot Sam's pretzels, mall cookies, and the new shoe smell from Foot Locker. Add in the metallic smell of fountain change and enough fluorescent lighting to interrogate a suspect, and you'll be instantly transported back to the '80s.

That version of the Adrian Mall is sadly gone. The enclosed mall was condemned in June 2020 after years of decline and problems, including a leaking roof, mold, and water damage. The city later ordered part of the deteriorating structure to be demolished, while surrounding anchor stores have remained open.

What's Planned for Howard Center in Adrian, Michigan?

The now vacant and condemned Adrian Mall, in Adrian, Michigan.

The good news? Developer Mike Howard is giving the place another shot, rebranding the property as Howard Center. Howard told The Lenawee Voice the project could eventually represent about $70 million in investment.

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Current plans include a 93,000-square-foot climate-controlled storage facility in what is the former mall space, targeted for spring 2027, plus new retail and restaurant outlots, upgraded facades, landscaping, parking, and signage.

Which Adrian Mall Stores Are Staying Open?

Howard has also said he is talking with a large national grocer and other national retailers. Dunham's Sports, Hobby Lobby, and Ollie's will remain anchors.

The exterior of JC Penney in Adrian, Michigan, once an anchor store for the Adrian Mall, which has been closed since 2020.

The Howard Center website lists more than 200,000 square feet of available retail space, so this isn't exactly a quick coat of paint and a "Grand Reopening" banner.

RELATED: Food and Entertainment: The New Anchor Stores for Michigan Malls

I'm glad something may finally happen. Empty malls are weirdly sad, like somebody paused 1997 and forgot to hit play. I just hope somewhere in the $70 million there's room for a pretzel oven.