The Mall at Stonecrest facts for kids
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| Location | Lithonia, Georgia, U.S. 30038 |
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| Opening date | October 24, 2001 |
| Management | Urban Retail Properties |
| No. of stores and services | 120+ |
| No. of anchor tenants | 5 (3 open, 2 to be repurposed) |
| Total retail floor area | 1,162,000 sq ft (108,000 m2) |
| No. of floors | 2 |
| Website | The Mall at Stonecrest |
The Mall at Stonecrest, often called Stonecrest Mall, is a very large shopping mall in eastern Metro Atlanta, Georgia. It's located right off Interstate 20 in Stonecrest, Georgia, a city that started in 2017. The mall first opened its doors on October 24, 2001.
You'll find over 120 stores and places to eat here! The main department stores are Dillard's, JCPenney, and Macy's. There used to be a Kohl's and Sears, but those buildings are now used for other things, like offices and a public safety center.
Beyond shopping, Stonecrest Mall has fun entertainment too. There's a movie theater on the second floor near the food court. Right across from the theater, you'll find Round One Entertainment, which is a huge arcade and entertainment center. Many other shops and restaurants are also located around the mall. The area around the mall is growing, with new apartments and condos, making it a lively place where people can live, work, and play.
The mall welcomes everyone and serves a diverse group of visitors. Around Christmas time, you can even find both black and white Santas!
Contents
Mall History: How Stonecrest Mall Began
The idea for Stonecrest Mall started many years ago, even before it was built. People talked about opening it in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some early names considered were Turner Hill Mall and Metro East.
Building Challenges and Delays
Building the mall wasn't easy! The project stopped several times because of problems with the developers. It was hard to get big stores to agree to open there, especially since another nearby mall, South DeKalb Mall, was still very popular. The land was cleared more than once, and local people often wondered if the mall would ever really be built.
Other Ideas for the Area
Before the mall was built, planners for DeKalb County had many different ideas for the area. They thought about building a convention center, an outdoor theater, apartments, a MARTA train station (for public transport), or even a college campus. While a library was built, the other big ideas like the train station and convention center are still being discussed for the future.
Mall Grand Opening
Finally, after many years of planning and waiting, the Mall at Stonecrest opened on October 24, 2001. It featured popular stores like Dillard's, JCPenney, Parisian, Rich's, and Sears.
Stonecrest Becomes a City
In 2014, the mayor of Lithonia, a nearby city, suggested making the mall area part of Lithonia. This idea caused a lot of discussion, especially among business owners who worried about their property taxes. They worked together to oppose the plan.
Voters Decide on a New City
Because of these discussions, the idea of creating a brand new city, Stonecrest, came up. In November 2016, people living in the area voted, and 59% said "yes" to forming the new city. Stonecrest officially became a city in the spring of 2017, with its own elections and local government. This meant the mall was now part of the new City of Stonecrest!
Community and Nature Around the Mall
The Mall at Stonecrest is part of a special natural area called the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. This area was recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2006. It covers about 40,000 acres and includes trails for walking and biking called the Arabia Mountain PATH. You can even reach the mall using these trails! Stonecrest Mall is a great example of how businesses and homes can exist within a national heritage area, which is different from a national park.
Mall Rules for Young Visitors
In May 2009, the mall started a "Parental Involvement Program." This rule means that anyone under 18 years old needs to be with an adult after 4 PM on weekends. If they are not with an adult, they might be asked to leave by mall security. This rule was put in place to help keep the mall a safe and pleasant place for everyone.
Fun and Excitement at the Mall
The Mall at Stonecrest is a place where exciting things happen!
- In December 2011, a large crowd gathered early in the morning for the release of a new limited edition Air Jordan shoe. People were very excited to get their hands on the new sneakers.
- On March 4, 2017, Round One Entertainment opened at the mall. This huge center offers bowling, Japanese arcade games, billiards, karaoke, ping pong, and darts. It's a fantastic place for friends and families to have fun!
Changes to Stores Over Time
Like many malls, the stores at Stonecrest Mall can change.
