News Summary
Goodlettsville, TN, is set to host a ‘last cruise’ event at RiverGate Mall before its redevelopment begins. This community gathering aims to celebrate the mall’s history and engage residents. Local officials support plans for a mixed-use space, responding to recent store closures and declining revenue. Safety measures will be in place for the event, while redevelopment is targeted for completion by 2029. The transformation signifies a shift towards meeting community needs and revitalizing the area.
Goodlettsville Prepares for Last Cruise Event as RiverGate Mall Redevelopment Begins
Goodlettsville, Tenn. – The RiverGate Mall, a longstanding part of the community since its opening in the 1970s, is set to undergo a major redevelopment following years of decline. To commemorate its rich history, a “last cruise” event will take place on Friday, June 20, inviting those who frequented the mall during its heyday in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. This community gathering will involve driving around the mall loop while playing nostalgic music and reconnecting with neighbors.
The event, organized by local resident Lisa Kistner Sheler, is expected to draw a substantial crowd, with thousands responding on social media. Participants will have the opportunity to reminiscence about the mall’s past, despite the current landscape changing significantly. RiverGate Mall, once a bustling retail center, now only has 39 stores open, having seen the closure of 57 storefronts in recent years.
With the mall’s decreasing property tax revenue triggering concerns, local officials from Metro Nashville and Goodlettsville have approved plans for a comprehensive redevelopment project. The new vision for the mall includes a mix of residential units, townhomes, senior housing, as well as commercial spaces for retail, restaurants, entertainment facilities, medical offices, and hotels. This transformation is anticipated to contribute millions in revenue to the region.
The redevelopment plans propose the inclusion of up to 458 residential units, alongside community-oriented features designed to promote connectivity and accessibility. In the wake of the mall’s decline, the Mayor’s Office underscored the need for revitalization to drive local growth and economic recovery.
Community Involvement and Safety Measures
RiverGate Mall management has expressed support for the cruise event, recognizing its importance to the local community and its historical significance. Attendees are urged to prioritize safety during the event, with officials implementing measures to ensure smooth traffic flow. Parking lots will be designated for transit only, prohibiting congregation to maintain order throughout the festivities.
Revitalization Timeline
As the event draws near, plans are also moving forward with the actual redevelopment. The demolition of existing structures at the mall is projected to commence later this summer. Following this, a new construction phase is aimed for completion around September 2029. Local developers, including Merus, with a proven record in previous redevelopment efforts in surrounding areas, will spearhead the revitalization project.
Historical Context
RiverGate Mall has served as a vital social hub for Goodlettsville residents for decades, offering a venue for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With shifting retail trends and the impact of online shopping, the mall’s decline reflects a broader trend seen across many traditional shopping centers in America. The upcoming redevelopment exemplifies a proactive approach by community leaders to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and restore vibrancy to the area.
This last cruise event symbolizes not only a farewell to RiverGate Mall’s storied past, but also an optimistic look toward its future as a mixed-use space that meets the evolving needs of the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WKRN News: Final RiverGate Mall Cruise Event
- Nashville Scene: RiverGate Mall Mixed-Use Project
- Tennessean: Goodlettsville RiverGate Mall Redevelopment
- Google Search: RiverGate Mall Redevelopment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shopping Mall Trends
