Call out will shape future of Circle Centre

The transformation of the Circle Centre Mall is underway and the reimagining will likely include a mixed use development.

Think housing instead of H&M. Corner store instead of Carson’s. The recent announcement that mall operator Simon is stepping away from Circle Centre Mall comes with a call for architects to propose how the mall may be reused. 

Indy Chamber Vice President of Indianapolis Economic Development Portia Bailey-Bernard said people are thinking beyond the '90s shopping center that helped revitalize downtown.

“It’s no longer being looked at simply as just a mall,” Bailey-Bernard said.

Changes will likely incorporate entertainment and food but may also open the space up to more street access.  The Circle Centre Development Company, an investor cooperative, is in charge of finding reuse ideas for the 600,000 square-foot space. 

Bailey-Bernard said there may be opportunity to build up.

“But definitely doing things in phases, starting in that southern block is definitely an opportunity,” she said.

The mall has already had some success transforming spaces into non-traditional use, including a college and a co-op for female entrepreneurs. Future mall development will continue to be a public private partnership.

The original mall design was able to preserve some downtown building facades in the Mile Square core.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.