The question on many Boardman residents’ minds this year has been clear — is Southern Park Mall closing for good? Once a thriving retail hub in Mahoning County, Ohio, the mall has faced increasing challenges in recent years. Between ownership changes, unpaid taxes, and store closures, rumors of an impending shutdown have spread widely. But what’s really happening? As of November 2025, here’s everything we know about the mall’s status and future.
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THE HISTORY OF SOUTHERN PARK MALL
Southern Park Mall has been an essential part of Boardman’s economy since it opened in 1970. For decades, it was the region’s premier shopping destination, featuring popular anchor stores like JCPenney, Macy’s, and Sears. Families, teens, and tourists filled its corridors daily, making it one of the most visited malls in northeastern Ohio.
However, the rise of online shopping and shifting retail habits over the last two decades have taken their toll. Like many regional malls across the country, Southern Park began to struggle with store vacancies and declining foot traffic. Even so, until recently, it remained a vital part of the community — and that’s why recent events have caused such alarm.
OWNERSHIP CHANGES AND UNCERTAINTY
Southern Park Mall’s fate took a major turn when Washington Prime Group, its longtime owner, sold the property to Kohan Retail Investment Group in late 2024. Kohan, a New York-based company known for purchasing struggling malls across the U.S., acquired the mall for roughly $24 million.
Initially, this move was seen as a potential lifeline. Kohan promised to preserve the property and find new tenants. However, soon after the acquisition, signs of trouble began to emerge — and by mid-2025, the mall’s financial struggles became more visible to the public.
UNPAID TAXES AND FINANCIAL TROUBLE
In March 2025, Mahoning County officials confirmed that the owners of Southern Park Mall were delinquent on property taxes, owing nearly half a million dollars. The unpaid balance includes penalties and interest fees for multiple parcels connected to the mall’s property.
While the company later made partial payments, officials have stated that continued nonpayment could result in foreclosure proceedings if the debt is not cleared. That has only intensified local speculation that Southern Park Mall could be facing permanent closure.
Officials from Boardman Township have said they are “closely monitoring” the situation but have not yet received any official statement from the mall’s management regarding a possible closure.
STORES CONTINUE TO LEAVE THE MALL
Another major reason people are asking is Southern Park Mall closing is the recent wave of store departures. Several long-standing retailers have left over the past year, citing reduced foot traffic and rising operational costs.
Here are some of the key changes:
- Touchdown Gifts, a locally beloved sports memorabilia store, closed after 25 years.
- The popular food-court chain Sarku Japan shut down operations earlier this year.
- Smaller specialty shops and kiosks have quietly closed without official announcements.
While anchors like JCPenney and Macy’s remain open, many smaller tenants say customer turnout has declined significantly since 2022. The mall’s corridors now have visibly more vacant units than before, especially in the west wing and food court area.
THE OWNER’S STATEMENT ON THE MALL’S FUTURE
Despite the growing concern, Kohan Retail Investment Group has maintained that the mall will remain open. In interviews and brief public statements, the company has said it is working on a revitalization strategy that includes:
- Attracting new national and regional tenants
- Hosting more community events to boost foot traffic
- Continuing outdoor projects like DeBartolo Commons, the entertainment and green-space area built on the site of the former Sears store
Kohan representatives have emphasized that they are “committed to keeping Southern Park Mall a part of the Boardman community.” However, the lack of visible redevelopment progress has left many residents skeptical.
LOCAL REACTION AND COMMUNITY CONCERN
Boardman Township officials have expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the mall’s owners. Local leaders note that the property is a significant tax revenue source for schools and public services. If the mall were to close or be foreclosed on, it could deal a major economic blow to the township.
Residents have also taken to social media to share memories and concerns about the mall’s future. Many longtime shoppers recall the mall’s vibrant past — from holiday decorations to bustling weekends — and express sadness at its current state.
Business owners who remain inside the mall say they are anxious but hopeful. Some note that Kohan’s other mall properties around the country have stayed open for years under similar conditions, though often with reduced occupancy.
CURRENT STATUS OF SOUTHERN PARK MALL
So, is Southern Park Mall closing right now? The short answer is no — but it’s struggling. The mall remains operational as of November 2025. Both anchor stores and several small retailers continue to serve customers. However, the long-term future is uncertain.
Here’s a summary of key indicators:
| Factor | Current Status | Impact on Mall’s Future |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Kohan Retail Investment Group | New owner, limited communication |
| Tax Payment | Delinquent in 2025 | Could lead to foreclosure risk |
| Anchor Stores | JCPenney, Macy’s remain open | Prevents immediate closure |
| Vacant Units | Estimated 40%+ | Reduced foot traffic and revenue |
| Redevelopment | Minimal visible progress | Unclear commitment from ownership |
Unless Kohan makes major investments or clears the property’s debts soon, the mall could face a forced sale or redevelopment in the coming years.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT
Several possible scenarios exist for the future of Southern Park Mall:
- Partial Redevelopment: The mall could downsize, keeping anchor stores and essential retail while converting other spaces into entertainment or mixed-use areas.
- Full Revitalization: If Kohan invests heavily and attracts new tenants, the mall could see a rebound similar to other renovated shopping centers nationwide.
- Foreclosure and Closure: If taxes remain unpaid and revenue continues to fall, Mahoning County could seize the property, leading to closure or resale.
- Community Buyout or Partnership: Local investors could partner with Kohan or another developer to keep the mall alive as a community hub.
THE FUTURE OF RETAIL IN BOARDMAN
Southern Park Mall’s situation mirrors what’s happening across America — traditional malls are declining as shoppers favor online stores and outdoor “lifestyle centers.” However, some malls have reinvented themselves by adding entertainment, dining, and residential elements.
If Kohan follows through with its promise to attract more events and modern tenants, Southern Park could stabilize. The adjacent DeBartolo Commons outdoor area already shows potential to revive interest, hosting concerts, markets, and local festivals that bring life to the property.
Still, much depends on whether the owner can maintain payments, fill vacancies, and restore public confidence in the mall.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At this moment, Southern Park Mall is not officially closing, but it stands at a critical crossroads. With unpaid taxes, multiple store closures, and uncertainty surrounding redevelopment, its future depends on swift and effective action by its owners.
For now, residents can still visit, shop, and support the local businesses that remain open — but the community will be watching closely to see what happens next.
What are your thoughts on Southern Park Mall’s future? Have you noticed changes at the mall recently? Share your experiences in the comments below — your voice matters in keeping this local landmark alive.