Jamaica Colosseum Mall to Close After Decades as Queens Landmark

The beloved after-school hangout and hub of hip-hop culture will shut its doors for good on January 31.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:15pm

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After over 30 years as a landmark in Queens, the Jamaica Colosseum Mall is set to close its doors for good on January 31. The mall, which was once a hub for hip-hop culture and a popular after-school hangout for local teens, has struggled with declining foot traffic in recent years, exacerbated by the removal of a nearby bus terminal. Longtime vendors and community members are remembering the Colosseum's legacy and the impact it had on the borough.

Why it matters

The closure of the Jamaica Colosseum Mall marks the end of an era for Queens, as the mall was a beloved community space that played a significant role in shaping the borough's culture, particularly its hip-hop scene. The mall's shutdown also raises questions about the future of the property and what will replace this longtime local landmark.

The details

The Jamaica Colosseum Mall started as an indoor flea market in 1984 and evolved into a hub for small businesses and a popular hangout spot for local teens. The mall was immortalized in hip-hop lyrics and music videos over the decades. However, in recent years, the mall has struggled with declining foot traffic, which was accelerated by the 2025 removal of a bus terminal across the street. The mall's longtime general manager, Thomas Logan, says the Colosseum has been operating at a loss since reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the decision to close the property, which is now on the market.

  • The Jamaica Colosseum Mall is set to close for good on January 31, 2026.
  • The mall started as an indoor flea market in 1984.
  • The bus terminal across the street from the mall was removed in 2025.

The players

Thomas Logan

The longtime general manager of the Jamaica Colosseum Mall.

Julian Embrack

A vendor at the Colosseum Mall who has operated his embroidery stall, Kristal Wings, at the mall for decades.

Taiwan "Mr. Fingaz" Green

A community organizer who is helping to plan a farewell block party for the Colosseum Mall.

Tom Grech

The President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, who hopes to see some vendor space preserved in whatever replaces the Colosseum Mall.

Terri Renae Green

A local resident who has fond memories of the Colosseum Mall as a hub for hip-hop culture and a popular hangout spot.

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What they’re saying

“You could meet anyone here. You could meet any celebrity, any star. One day, Biz Markie, who was huge to the hip-hop culture, he walked in his pajamas.”

— Terri Renae Green

“A lot of high schools are around the neighborhood, so they all got out school at the same, and everybody would meet here in the Colosseum.”

— Taiwan "Mr. Fingaz" Green

“It also taught you how to be tough for your future life because you had to really come here and pay attention.”

— Dave Huie

“Since we reopened from the COVID, every month has been in the red.”

— Thomas Logan, Longtime general manager of the Jamaica Colosseum Mall

“The Colosseum Mall has given me a home, put my children through college. It will be surely missed.”

— Julian Embrack, Vendor at the Colosseum Mall

What’s next

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is hoping to see some vendor space preserved in whatever replaces the Colosseum Mall, and is also advocating for the inclusion of additional housing, potentially including housing for veterans.

The takeaway

The closure of the Jamaica Colosseum Mall marks the end of an era for Queens, as the beloved community space and hub of hip-hop culture will no longer be a part of the borough's landscape. However, the mall's legacy will live on in the memories of the many locals who spent their formative years there, and the community is working to ensure that the Colosseum's spirit is honored in whatever replaces it.