Vacant retail spaces within struggling indoor regional malls continue to see new uses, with the latest trend being activity-oriented venues, such as the pickleball courts that took over a former Saks OFF 5TH at the Stamford Town Center in Stamford, Conn., or the bike park that now occupies a vacant Sears at the Capilano Mall in North Vancouver, British Columbia. But perhaps the most promising use is a skatepark, as skateboarding has surged in popularity recently, especially with its debut as an Olympic sport in 2021.
In late July, the McKinley Mall in Buffalo, N.Y., unveiled the Food Court Skatepark, a 16,000-s.f. indoor skate facility featuring ramps, ledges, handrails and a large bowl to satisfy all skill levels. The venue has taken over two units that previously housed a Mattress Firm and a Red Dragon School of Martial Arts. The skatepark will offer both group and private lessons, and the space will also act as a community center by hosting events such as yoga classes or art shows. The skatepark is expected to boost traffic to the mall, especially in the winter months when skateboarders cannot easily traverse through the snow-covered streets on their skateboards, scooters or inline skates. Anticipate the trend to continue to spring up in other distressed malls in the future.
