Demolition begins on Richland Mall — new era of retail, restaurants, and apartments on the way

FOREST ACRES, SC (WOLO) — Wednesday morning marked the end of an era as demolition began on the iconic Richland Mall in Forest Acres. But once the building comes down, local officials say a new era will begin.

The original Richland Mall was erected in 1961 and was then revamped as the Richland Fashion Mall in 1988. But in recent years, the mall stopped being a destination at all, oftentimes with only the old Barnes and Noble being sought out by visitors.

And now, it’s Demolition: Day One on the popular mall which had started to feel more like the remnants of an apocalypse than its once thriving self.

Local resident Erik Griffin says his last memory is being on a date with his wife at the Starbucks inside Barnes and Noble — 10 years ago.

He says he’s looking forward to bringing his kids here once everything is complete.

“This little spot right here in between Columbia and Forest Acres… it was just… it was time. We’re excited for anything that comes in here, it’s gonna be better!! Better than this, ” Griffin says.

The area is now owned and being overhauled by a company called “Southeastern Development” and will be home to both retail spaces, restaurants, and apartments. No specifics on future stores or restaurants that may come have yet been released.

The City of Forest Acres has also purchased six acres at the back of the lot which will be turned into a park with plenty of green spaces for guest to enjoy.

“I won’t even say it’s a little bittersweet because we’ve needed this to happen for a long time. Conversations around church, and the golf course, and the dinner table, have constantly been ‘when?’ and ‘what?’ and now we finally have some answers to that,” says Former Forest Acres Mayor Frank Brunson.

Current City of Forest Acres Mayor Tom Andrews says demolition of the entire mall will take about a year.

“As the mall goes down, you know, people remember memories from the mall. They remember gathering here as kids or with their parents, and we treasure those memories. But we also know that this represents an opportunity to make new memories for a new generation of people and it’s an exciting time for us and for the city,” Andrews says.

James Flaugher, Vice President of Operations with DECO (the environmentally friendly company handling the demolition) says that at least 90 percent of the materials torn down will be recycled for future use.

He also asks the public to stay safe if you decide to view the ongoing demo, saying, “Demolition is inherently dangerous. You know, we really want the general public to stay well clear and stay beyond the fence here.”