Orlando Fashion Square’s story began in 1963 with a standalone Sears store on Colonial Drive. Developer Leonard Farber expanded the site into a full shopping mall in 1971, adding Burdines as a second anchor store. The mall flourished, with a two-level wing anchored by Maison Blanche added in 1990. This anchor underwent several changes, becoming Gayfer’s in 1992 and finally Dillard’s in 1998. JCPenney joined as the fourth anchor in 1993, relocating from Winter Park Mall. Burdines transitioned to Macy’s in 2005, solidifying Orlando Fashion Square as a major retail destination.
However, the mall faced challenges in the following decade. Dillard’s converted to a clearance center in 2014, signaling a decline. Sears closed in 2016 and was demolished, replaced by a Floor & Decor. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt another blow, leading to JCPenney’s closure in 2020. These closures left Orlando Fashion Square struggling with high vacancy rates.
Today, Orlando Fashion Square is a shadow of its former self, with many vacant storefronts and diminished foot traffic. Unicorp National Developers, recognizing the need for change, plans to demolish most of the mall (excluding Macy’s) and transform it into a mixed-use development.
The redevelopment vision focuses on creating an open-air experience with art, landscaping, architecture, and park-like grounds. Plans include theaters, bowling, a 120-room hotel, and up to 1,400 residential apartments. This ambitious project aims to revitalize the Orlando Fashion Square site and integrate it into the surrounding community.
The proposed redevelopment of Orlando Fashion Square into a mixed-use complex signals a significant shift in the area’s landscape. While the future remains uncertain, the project holds the potential to breathe new life into a once-thriving retail hub.
Empty storefront inside Orlando Fashion Square mall in Orlando, Florida.
This transformation reflects broader trends in retail and urban development, as traditional malls adapt to changing consumer preferences and the rise of online shopping. The success of this project could serve as a model for other struggling malls across the country.
The planned integration of residential, hospitality, and entertainment components aims to create a vibrant destination that caters to a wider range of needs and activities. This approach seeks to attract residents, visitors, and businesses, fostering a dynamic and sustainable environment.
The redevelopment of Orlando Fashion Square will significantly impact the surrounding community, potentially creating new jobs, increasing property values, and enhancing the overall quality of life.
