Ever wondered about a mall that almost didn’t make it? Welcome to Unidale Mall. Right here in Saint Paul Minnesota stands a testament to urban renewal’s triumphs and struggles. Unidale Mall isn’t just a shopping center it’s a story. It began in 1971 a bold dream rooted in the Model Cities Program. The vision? A suburban-style mall in the heart of the city a truly ambitious goal. Neighborhood activists championed the idea pushing city planners to make this dream a reality.
Construction finished in 1978. However Unidale Mall faced financial hardship from 1979 to 1989. It struggled to attract the right tenants. A welfare office was one of the unexpected occupants not exactly the high-end stores initially envisioned. In 1987 there were even plans to bring in a nightclub and restaurant an interesting attempt to diversify the mall’s offerings. Kraus-Anderson owned and operated the mall in 1988. The Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store was its anchor tenant in 1989.
A $6.3 million renovation was proposed in 1989. The hope was to lure in United Noodles Oriental Food Inc a drugstore a food court and various specialty shops. Despite these efforts a 1989 report called Unidale Mall a failure highlighting its ongoing struggle to find suitable tenants. A 1992 article painted a picture of a nearly empty mall reflecting the challenges facing the surrounding community.
Interestingly by 2000 Unidale Mall’s fortunes seemed to have improved. Kraus-Anderson’s vice president reported the mall was fully leased. A significant addition was a farmers market hosted by Sun Foods Asian grocery. It began in 1998 adding a vibrant weekend element to the mall.
Education also found a home in Unidale Mall. The Saint Paul Public Schools initially planned to acquire the property. They intended to establish adult literacy education and multicultural programs. The Saint Paul Area Learning Center actually moved into Unidale Mall on February 1 1991. Eventually these programs transformed into Gordon Parks High School a remarkable evolution.
So as you stand here before Unidale Mall remember this isn’t just a place to shop. It’s a living narrative. It’s a story of community resilience of ambition perseverance and adaptation. A story that continues to unfold in the heart of Saint Paul.