Clearview Mall demolition begins as $100M redevelopment strikes ahead

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Demolition of the Clearview Mall in Jefferson Parish is underway, with builders planning a $100 million redevelopment of the positioning.

Mangled steel has piled up inside what stays of the mall, with sections of the roof uncovered. The plan requires demolishing the whole lot between Ochsner, Target and the theater. Once heavy gear is faraway from the roof, the remaining construction will come down.

Thomas Richards, managing member of Richards Clearview, mentioned the inside has already been largely cleared.

“The inside, if you were to peek in, it’s just columns and a slab. It’s been completely demolished,” Richards mentioned.

National retailer, way of life heart deliberate

Richards mentioned the $100 million funding will totally reimagine the positioning. A lease has been signed with a nationwide retailer, although Richards mentioned he can not but disclose the title.

“We have signed a lease with a national retailer that I think everyone will be excited about,” Richards mentioned.

The redevelopment additionally consists of an open-air way of life heart with small store area. Richards mentioned the world close to the previous AMC escalator will function the brand new entrance entrance.

“Next to them and between Ochsner and where they’ll end is kind of a lifestyle center. It will be open-aired with some small shop space looking inward. Really, where the AMC escalator is will be the new front door,” Richards mentioned.

Jefferson Parish financial growth

Jerry Bologna, govt director of JEDCO, mentioned a lot of the east financial institution of Jefferson Parish is landlocked, making redevelopment of current websites a precedence.

“This is one of those opportunities…it’s a major corridor, lots of retail, lots of residents in the area. This is an important corridor for us to continue to redevelop to keep the vitality of the area high,” Bologna mentioned.

Bologna mentioned JEDCO and Richards Clearview are working to safe incentives from Jefferson Parish to draw extra tenants.

“Retailers want to be in Jefferson Parish. We want to prove that this is a great place for them to be. I think it’s important that we all work together in that vision,” Bologna mentioned.

Recent adjustments to the property embody Zea’s relocating to a standalone web site, new residences constructed alongside the again of the property, and Ochsner developing on the former Sears anchor location.

Richards expects the positioning to reopen within the first quarter of 2028.

“I think Clearview will be part of Jefferson Parish for as long as I can see,” Richards mentioned.

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