GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The former Conestoga Mall is now inaccessible to the public, marking the end of its era.
Until recently, a few stores continued to operate on the mall’s south side, but they have since relocated to the newly developed northeast section.
Mitch Hohlen of Woodsonia confirmed to Local4 that the enclosed part of the mall is permanently closed.
Entrance to the south side is now barred by red caution tape, and a sign announces that the indoor area was closed as of Wednesday. The mall first opened in 1974.
As the community of Grand Island bids farewell to the old mall, they are welcomed by the new Conestoga Marketplace on the northeast side, now bustling with shops such as Maurices and Buckle.
Alex Arrieta, Manager of Buckle, expressed enthusiasm about their initial business days, stating, “It’s been great. Our first day was awesome, way more business than we expected.”
Arrieta noted the ongoing adjustments but shared excitement for the new setup and location, which has been well-received by visitors.
He mentioned that they managed to open the new location within 24 hours after their last day at the old site to ensure no sales were lost.
Back in March 2023, Woodsonia acquired Conestoga Mall, planning a redevelopment to make the stores outward facing and enhance dining and entertainment offerings.
In April 2023, Chief Industries began the actual construction of the Conestoga Marketplace.
Looking back, Mitch Hohlen reflected on the mall’s vibrant past, stating, “20 years ago, Conestoga Mall was a dynamic retail center. It was fully operational with anchor stores and served as a significant retail hub. The redevelopment aims to rejuvenate what was here two decades ago.”
The demolition and construction started with the crashing of bricks on a Friday morning. By December 2023, Cindy Johnson, former President of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, noted that the construction was advancing ahead of schedule. Johnson emphasized that the marketplace’s design, which integrates various functions, is designed to attract more visitors.
Comments