The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
City to evaluate Midway Mall
The city of Elyria is evaluating options for the future of Midway Mall as the new administration implements an economic development plan.
Mayor Frank Whitfield said the city has been meeting with the owners of Midway Mall to look at new potential development at the site.
With the mall having multiple owners, Whitfield said the city is hoping to attract some new key anchor businesses to help the area grow.
In August 2019, the 18-acre site of the former Dillard’s store was acquired by Solon-based Industrial Commercial Properties for $100,000.
“They have been a really good partner, not only in helping us think through ideas, but helping us really talk through what a true partnership could look like and so assisting with the development there,” Whitfield said.
The mayor noted the city is continuing to evaluate land-use and zoning options as it works through the process of determining the mall’s future.
In the past two years, Midway Mall has seen two major anchor stores - Sears and JC Penney’s close their doors.
In early January, Best Buy announced it is closing in March citing the changing needs of their customers.
“We have made the decision not to renew the lease of our Midway Mall location in Elyria,” said
Best Buy spokesperson Claire Larson. “Our customers have shown they would prefer to shop at our renovated Avon location, especially as the
Midway Mall area has evolved.”
Another major anchor
store, Dick’s Sporting Goods at Midway Market Square, announced Jan. 5 it will close.
The store is scheduled to close March 7.
In welcoming businesses to Elyria, Whitfield said he is counting on Elyrians to step forward. He believes they offer more than tax incentives.
“We’re really banking on Elyrians,” he said. “We think our strength around manufacturing sets us apart.”
Economic Development
Whitfield’s administration is working to assist manufacturers in identifying
more opportunities by networking, he explained recently.
“So, we think it expands way beyond tax incentives,” he said. “The type of support businesses will get in this city ... we think we can match up against anyone, the type of services we’re going to be able to provide to businesses.”
The different aspects beyond taxes include workforce development, assistance with contracting, networking and employee engagement, Whitfield said, adding there is so much more.
“Those are factors that not every city has, but we will have them here,” the mayor added.