BOARDMAN, Ohio — Southern Park Mall, which experienced an unexpected closure on Monday morning, is set to reopen at 12:30 p.m. The announcement came via a text message from mall general manager Vince Tyler, who extended an apology for the inconvenience caused by the delay. Tyler noted that tenants would not be required to open their businesses during the closure.
In a brief phone interview, Tyler confirmed that the closure was due to “operational safety concerns.” Though he did not elaborate further, he directed any additional inquiries to the mall’s media relations email.
The mall’s ownership by New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group has come under scrutiny as the firm has been behind on property taxes for several months. This financial instability adds to the uncertainty currently overshadowing the mall.
Local business owner Josh Langenheim of Steel Valley Brew Works expressed confusion over the situation, saying he was informed of the closure through news outlets rather than direct communication from mall management. Although his establishment, which features its own entrance, was not directly affected by the closure, Langenheim highlighted his concern about the lack of communication and the overall management of the mall.
“This is the kind of thing you just would never think would happen,” he stated. “The community of the mall seems to have ceased to exist at this point.” Langenheim confirmed his business would remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for cleaning, but he plans to reopen on Wednesday as scheduled.
The reasons behind the sudden shutdown remain unspecified, but Langenheim clarified that it was not related to utility issues, as Steel Valley Brew Works operates on a separate meter from the mall. He expressed hope for a quick resolution to ensure the livelihood of workers and small businesses affected by the closure, especially with the holiday season approaching.
“This is horrible,” Langenheim commented, stressing the impact that the mall’s management decisions have on the community as it heads into a crucial retail period. “There are a lot of people who are going to be affected, and it’s the fourth quarter — it’s Christmas time. People need to work.” His optimism for a resolution underscores the importance of stable management for the mall and its tenants as they navigate these challenging circumstances.