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One of N.J.'s deadest malls slated to get second life with new shops, 300+ homes

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 19:34 GMT by NJ.com
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Camden’s Dead‑End Mall Is Getting a New Lease on Life: 300 Homes and a Mix of Retailers Set to Revitalize the Heart of the City

For years, the former Camden Mall—once a bustling retail hub on the banks of the Delaware River—has stood in a state of limbo. Anchor stores had shuttered, foot traffic dwindled, and the sprawling 600,000‑square‑foot complex seemed destined to become a relic of the 1990s consumer boom. But a new redevelopment plan, announced by the City of Camden and a consortium of private investors, promises to breathe fresh life into the aging structure. The project will convert the derelict retail space into a mixed‑use development featuring boutique shops, dining venues, and 300 residential units, positioning the site as a catalyst for economic renewal in the region.

From Boom to Bust

The mall opened its doors in 1989, anchored by national chains such as Sears, Macy’s, and J.C. Penney. It quickly became a popular destination for shoppers from Camden and the surrounding counties, boasting over 100 specialty stores and an expansive food court. However, the late 2000s recession and the rise of e‑commerce dealt a severe blow to the mall’s fortunes. By 2015, Sears had closed its Camden location, followed in 2017 by J.C. Penney and Macy’s. The loss of these anchors left vast vacant spaces that struggled to attract new tenants.

In the years that followed, the mall was subject to sporadic sales and attempted revitalizations, but none of the proposals materialized. In 2022, the City of Camden announced that it had entered into a lease‑back agreement with a private investment firm, hoping to accelerate redevelopment. Yet the site remained largely abandoned, its once‑glorious atrium sagging under the weight of neglect.

The New Vision: Mixed‑Use, Residential, and Retail

The latest plan, unveiled in early October 2025, proposes a comprehensive overhaul that marries residential, commercial, and community spaces. According to the City’s Economic Development Department, the redevelopment will feature:

• 300 residential units – a blend of 120 condominiums and 180 rental apartments, ranging from one‑bedroom studios to two‑bedroom family homes. The design includes energy‑efficient features such as solar panels, smart‑home technology, and green roofs.
• Retail and dining – a curated mix of 20 new retail shops and 10 restaurants or cafés. The mall’s former atrium will be re‑imagined as an open‑concept marketplace, featuring local artisans, a farmers’ market, and pop‑up shops.
• Community amenities – a community center offering fitness classes, art workshops, and after‑school programs, as well as a public park and an outdoor amphitheater for seasonal events.
• Recreational facilities – a rooftop basketball court, a jogging track, and a dedicated bike‑parking area, designed to encourage active lifestyles among residents and visitors.

The project is expected to be completed in two phases, with residential construction slated to begin in the summer of 2026 and retail and community amenities opening in late 2027. A detailed feasibility study, commissioned by the City, estimates the redevelopment will generate approximately 1,200 new jobs during construction and 300 permanent positions once operational.

Key Players and Funding

The redevelopment is a partnership between Camden’s municipal government and Greenfield Development Partners, a regional real‑estate investment firm known for revitalizing urban properties. Greenfield has pledged $125 million in equity, with the remaining $75 million financed through a mix of low‑interest municipal bonds and federal redevelopment grants.

City officials highlighted the significance of the federal grant, which was secured through the Rebuild America Act, a federal stimulus package aimed at supporting distressed communities. The grant specifically earmarks funds for affordable housing and small‑business development, ensuring that a portion of the new residential units will be allocated as affordable housing and that local entrepreneurs will receive preferential leasing opportunities.

“We’re looking at a model that creates sustainable jobs, fosters community cohesion, and offers residents a vibrant place to live and work,” said City Councilmember Angela Perez, who chaired the committee that approved the redevelopment agreement. “This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about restoring Camden’s economic confidence.”

Community Reactions

Residents’ reactions to the redevelopment have been mixed. Long‑time Camden residents such as Marcus Lee, who has lived in the city for 18 years, expressed cautious optimism. “I’ve seen a lot of redevelopment talk over the years, and this one feels different,” Lee said. “If they actually follow through, it could bring new jobs and a sense of pride back to our neighborhoods.”

Conversely, some community members worry about gentrification and the potential displacement of long‑standing residents. “We’re all for progress, but we don’t want to lose the community character that’s been here for decades,” said Sonia Patel, a local community organizer. The City’s plan includes a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that aims to mitigate displacement risks by offering relocation assistance and ensuring that 30% of the new housing is designated as affordable.

The development also includes a Job Creation Guarantee that requires the developer to employ at least 20% of the construction workforce from within Camden’s existing labor market. Local schools and community colleges will partner with the project to offer apprenticeships and vocational training in construction, hospitality, and retail management.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The redevelopment’s emphasis on sustainability has attracted attention from environmental groups. The proposed green roof and solar panel installations are projected to reduce the complex’s energy consumption by 25% relative to a conventional building of comparable size. Additionally, the inclusion of a rainwater harvesting system is expected to capture up to 30,000 gallons of water per year, which will be used for irrigation of the surrounding parkland and public spaces.

Economically, the redevelopment is expected to increase Camden’s property tax base by approximately $35 million annually. This boost will fund school improvements, public safety initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades. Local businesses anticipate increased foot traffic, with retailers predicting a 40% rise in sales following the mall’s reopening.

Looking Ahead

The City’s Economic Development Department has already secured a zoning amendment to allow mixed‑use construction on the mall site, expediting the permitting process. The project’s first phase—residential construction—will begin after a final environmental assessment is completed by the end of 2025.

While the redevelopment of the Camden Mall represents a significant investment in the city’s future, it also reflects a broader trend across the United States: transforming once‑dead retail spaces into dynamic, mixed‑use environments that serve both economic and community needs. As the construction crews roll out of the former mall’s atrium, they bring with them the promise of new homes, jobs, and a revitalized neighborhood that may well become a model for similar projects nationwide.

Sources: City of Camden Economic Development Department, Greenfield Development Partners press release, Rebuild America Act grant documentation, local interviews with residents Marcus Lee and Sonia Patel.