Norfolk's MacArthur Center Mall to Close and Be Demolished

The 27-year-old downtown mall will shut down by June 30 to make way for redevelopment.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:23pm

The city of Norfolk has announced plans to close the MacArthur Center mall by June 30, 2026, setting the stage for redevelopment of the 27-year-old downtown shopping center. The closure will mark the end of an era for the mall, which has been a fixture in Norfolk's urban core since its opening in 1999.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of MacArthur Center represents a major shift in Norfolk's downtown, as the city looks to reimagine the area with new uses and attractions. The closure of the mall reflects broader changes in the retail landscape, with many traditional shopping centers struggling to adapt to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences.

The details

Norfolk officials cited the need for redevelopment as the primary reason for the mall's closure. The city has long-term plans to transform the site into a new mixed-use development that could include residential, commercial, and public spaces. The closure will bring an end to MacArthur Center's nearly 27-year run as a downtown shopping destination.

  • MacArthur Center will close by June 30, 2026.

The players

Norfolk

The city of Norfolk, Virginia, which owns the MacArthur Center mall and has announced plans to close and redevelop the site.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The city of Norfolk will begin the process of redeveloping the MacArthur Center site following the mall's closure, with plans for a new mixed-use development that could include residential, commercial, and public spaces.

The takeaway

The closure of the MacArthur Center mall marks a significant shift in Norfolk's downtown, as the city looks to reimagine the area with new uses and attractions. The redevelopment of the site reflects broader changes in the retail landscape, as many traditional shopping centers struggle to adapt to the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences.