Lakeside Mall in Metro Detroit closes, sparking redevelopment plans

In Sterling Heights, Michigan, Lakeside Mall officially closed its doors on Monday, marking the end of an era for residents who have cherished memories of the popular shopping destination. Cyndi Zapczynski, a local resident, fondly recalled bringing her four boys to the mall every week, where they enjoyed treats from Mrs. Fields and played in the play area. The closure of the approximately 100-acre mall site has now shifted attention towards a new redevelopment project that aims to transform the area into a vibrant community hub. Mayor Mike Taylor of Sterling Heights described the redevelopment as a "once-in-a-lifetime type project" that will allow the city to create a downtown area from scratch. The upcoming plans for the site include a mix of residential housing, parks, a hotel, dining options, and more. Taylor emphasized the importance of careful planning and community engagement in shaping the future of the space, with a planned unit development agreement expected from the mall owners in the coming months. Over the next 12-18 months, the city of Sterling Heights will host a series of community engagement meetings, facilitated by the mall owners, to gather input and feedback on the redevelopment plans. While preliminary ideas have been discussed, Mayor Taylor stressed that nothing is set in stone, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the mall owners, the city, and the local community. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city's social media platforms and website for updates on the progress of the redevelopment project. As the Lakeside Mall site transitions into a new chapter, the focus remains on creating a dynamic and inclusive space that will benefit the community for years to come. With careful planning and input from residents, the vision for the reimagined area is set to unfold gradually, promising a fresh and exciting future for Sterling Heights.