Demolition of Richland Mall (corner of Forest Drive and Beltline Boulevard) began Wednesday, March 20. The demolition is expected to take a year to complete on the 32-acre site and culminates a 20-year wait for redevelopment of the site. Southeastern Development is behind the $100 million project, which, when completed, will feature a mix of apartments, businesses (including a grocery store and brewery), and a six-acre green space to host gatherings, events and concerts. Richland Mall was constructed in 1960 as an open air mall anchored by JB White department store and a grocery store. Some of the shops in the 1960s to early 1970s included Happy Bookseller, Woolworths, Hickory Farms, and Russell Stover’s Chocolates. “I think people have good memories from the old mall,” Forest Acres Mayor Thomas Andrew said. “This was an opportunity, not only to see economic growth but also create a space where people can gather and make new memories.”
Source: https://www.thecolumbiastar.com/articles/demolition-begins-on-richland-mall/