The last tenants at Jacksonville’s Regency Square Mall closed on Saturday, marking the end of nearly 60 years of retail at the once-thriving shopping center. Starting June 1, public access to the mall’s main interior will be restricted, signaling a major transition for the property. While some exterior businesses will remain open, the mall’s interior will officially close, paving the way for redevelopment plans.
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End of an Era
Regency Square Mall, once bustling with over 150 retailers and considered one of the top malls in the country, is closing its interior after almost six decades. The last two tenants, Rogers Jewelers and Tokyo Sakura, shut their doors on Saturday, two years short of the mall’s 60th anniversary.
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Last Stores Close
Tokyo Sakura, located in the mall’s remaining food court area, operated for a half-day to clear inventory before closing. Rogers Jewelers closed Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. These closures mark the end of public access to the mall’s interior space starting June 1.
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Shopper Memories
Local resident Marco Castanos recalled visiting the mall in its prime, saying, “I used to bring him when he was a kid here. He used to ride those kiddy rides, back in the glory days, it was packed.” The mall has long been a part of the community’s shopping and social life.
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Decline and Violations
Over the years, Regency Square Mall experienced a significant decline, culminating in nearly $1.8 million in fines for multiple code violations. Jacksonville residents have witnessed the steady downturn of the once vibrant shopping hub.
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Remaining Businesses Open
Lauren’s Seafood Blues & Jazz restaurant and the Rhythm Factory event space will remain open because they have external entrances, allowing them to operate independently from the mall’s interior closure.
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Redevelopment Plans
Blackwater Development LLC, the new property owner, plans to redevelop the site, rebranding it as The Nexus at Regency. The transformation will introduce a mix of new businesses and housing. City Councilman Ken Amaro described these developments as “well overdue.”
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Future Stadium Site
The old Sears property, not included in the mall purchase, is among 55 locations considered by Sporting Club Jacksonville, a United Soccer League expansion franchise, for a potential stadium site. This has fueled local excitement about the area’s revitalization prospects.
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