Norfolk's MacArthur Center Mall to Close for Redevelopment

The iconic downtown mall will shutter by June 2026 to make way for a mixed-use project.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Norfolk has announced that the MacArthur Center mall will be closing by June 30, 2026 to allow for the redevelopment of the site. The new mixed-use project is expected to feature market-rate housing, a hotel, street-level retail, and open public spaces, aligning with the city's goals for a more walkable, economically vibrant downtown.

Why it matters

The closure of the MacArthur Center marks a significant shift for downtown Norfolk, as the mall has been a long-standing landmark and anchor for the city's urban core. The redevelopment represents an opportunity to reimagine the site and support the city's broader vision for a more connected, economically thriving city center.

The details

To facilitate the redevelopment, the city has developed a transition plan to support the mall's existing tenants, including relocation assistance, business resources, and connections to other commercial real estate opportunities within Norfolk. After the mall closes, the city will begin site preparation and planning for the new mixed-use development, with demolition expected to start towards the end of 2026.

  • MacArthur Center is scheduled to close by June 30, 2026.
  • Demolition of the mall is expected to start towards the end of 2026.

The players

City of Norfolk

The local government of Norfolk, Virginia, which is overseeing the redevelopment of the MacArthur Center site.

Kenneth Alexander

The mayor of Norfolk, who stated that the redevelopment represents a milestone for downtown Norfolk and will lay the groundwork for new jobs, housing, and long-term vitality.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The redevelopment represents a milestone for downtown Norfolk, laying the groundwork for new jobs, housing opportunities, and long-term vitality.”

— Kenneth Alexander, Mayor

What’s next

After the mall closes, the city will begin site preparation and redevelopment planning. Demolition is expected to start towards the end of 2026, followed by a multi-phase development project.

The takeaway

The closure of the iconic MacArthur Center mall in downtown Norfolk represents a significant shift for the city, as it paves the way for a new mixed-use development that aligns with the city's goals for a more walkable, economically vibrant urban core. The redevelopment project is expected to bring new housing, jobs, and public spaces to the area, marking an important milestone in Norfolk's ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown.