Wow What a transformation North Park Plaza has undergone. This wasn’t always a sprawling outdoor shopping center. Once upon a time in 1973 it opened as a vibrant indoor mall North Park Mall. Imagine stepping inside a world of gleaming floors and bustling shoppers.
The original anchors Robert Hall Village Dominick’s and JCPenney drew crowds. They were the heart of the mall. Robert Hall closed its doors. It became a Kmart. Kmart’s eventual closure in 2000 marked a turning point. It became the main entrance to a swap market. The mall’s identity shifted.
JCPenney’s departure in 2001 paved the way for Ames. Ames’ short-lived presence ended in 2002. HOBO a discount store took over. The mid-1990s saw Dominick’s close and the Fruit Market open. HOBO moved into the former Kmart space. Staples and Pet Supplies Plus joined the scene in 2005.
White Castle and Advance Auto Parts added to the plaza’s variety in 2006. Forman Mills opened in late 2014. A new strip plaza arrived in 2016. It housed Chipotle Mexican Grill Firehouse Subs Dunkin Donuts and more. Wendy’s joined the lineup in 2017. Sadly HOBO closed in December 2018. North Park Plaza’s evolution reflects the changing retail landscape. It’s a testament to adaptation and resilience. The plaza stands as a reminder of its past and a symbol of its ongoing journey.