Uptown Scottsbluff (Scottsbluff, Nebraska): Difference between revisions

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=== Early years ===
=== Early years ===
'''Monument Mall''' opened in August 1986.<ref name=":0" /> Built using a similar layout and features to [[Hilltop Mall (Kearney, Nebraska)|Hilltop Mall]] in [[Kearney, Nebraska|Kearney]], [[Nebraska]], '''Monument Mall'''<nowiki/>'s earliest anchors were Walmart, JCPenney, and Herberger's. One of the earliest small-format tenants of the mall was E&E Gift Store, owned by Edward M. Hilzer and his wife.<ref>"[https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/scottsbluff-ne/edward-hilzer-8895932 Edward Hilzer Obituary - Scottsbluff, NE]". Dignity Memorial.</ref>
'''Monument Mall''' opened in August 1986.<ref name=":0" /> Built using a similar layout and features to [[Hilltop Mall (Kearney, Nebraska)|Hilltop Mall]] in [[Kearney, Nebraska|Kearney]], [[Nebraska]], '''Monument Mall'''<nowiki/>'s earliest anchors were [[Walmart Supercenter 867|Walmart]], [[JCPenney 2307|JCPenney]], and Herberger's. One of the earliest small-format tenants of the mall was E&E Gift Store, owned by Edward M. Hilzer and his wife.<ref>"[https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/scottsbluff-ne/edward-hilzer-8895932 Edward Hilzer Obituary - Scottsbluff, NE]". Dignity Memorial.</ref>


Throughout the 90s, the mall was owned by Dial Reit Inc.,<ref>Dial Reit CEO Resigns. McCook Daily Gazette. [https://books.google.com/books?id=wdkgAAAAIBAJ&dq=Mall+scottsbluff&pg=PA3&article_id=3771,998390#v=onepage&q=Mall%20scottsbluff&f=false]</ref> later known as Mid-America Realty Investments Inc.,<ref>Dial REIT name change. McCook Daily Gazette. [https://books.google.com/books?id=FtogAAAAIBAJ&dq=dial+reit+inc.&pg=PA5&article_id=1603,5963111#v=onepage&q=dial%20reit%20inc.&f=false]</ref> which owned many shopping malls and plazas in the Nebraska area including Stockyards Plaza in Omaha and Imperial Mall in Hastings.
Throughout the 90s, the mall was owned by Dial Reit Inc.,<ref>Dial Reit CEO Resigns. McCook Daily Gazette. [https://books.google.com/books?id=wdkgAAAAIBAJ&dq=Mall+scottsbluff&pg=PA3&article_id=3771,998390#v=onepage&q=Mall%20scottsbluff&f=false]</ref> later known as Mid-America Realty Investments Inc.,<ref>Dial REIT name change. McCook Daily Gazette. [https://books.google.com/books?id=FtogAAAAIBAJ&dq=dial+reit+inc.&pg=PA5&article_id=1603,5963111#v=onepage&q=dial%20reit%20inc.&f=false]</ref> which owned many shopping malls and plazas in the Nebraska area including [[Stockyards Plaza (Omaha, Nebraska)|Stockyards Plaza]] in [[Omaha, Nebraska|Omaha]] and [[Imperial Mall (Hastings, Nebraska)|Imperial Mall]] in [[Hastings, Nebraska|Hastings]].


=== Struggles and RockStep Capital's ownership ===
=== Struggles and RockStep Capital's ownership ===
Walmart relocated in 2002 to a new standalone location on the corner of US-26 and Ave.<ref>Star-Herald, MAUNETTE LOEKS (2023-06-13). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/business/the-rockstep-way-company-has-big-plans-for-scottsbluff-mall-spurs-new-interest-with-purchase/article_731af084-092c-11ee-ab7b-07619482ab2f.html The RockStep way: Company has big plans for Scottsbluff mall, spurs new interest with purchase of former Kmart facility]". Star-Herald.</ref> Sears Hometown had a location at the mall even though it wasn't an anchor store; in the early 2000s, Sears Hometown relocated to a space in the plaza building in front of the new Walmart location.
[[Walmart Supercenter 867|Walmart]] relocated in 2002 to a new standalone location on the corner of US-26 and Ave.<ref>Star-Herald, MAUNETTE LOEKS (2023-06-13). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/business/the-rockstep-way-company-has-big-plans-for-scottsbluff-mall-spurs-new-interest-with-purchase/article_731af084-092c-11ee-ab7b-07619482ab2f.html The RockStep way: Company has big plans for Scottsbluff mall, spurs new interest with purchase of former Kmart facility]". Star-Herald.</ref> [[Sears Hometown 3308|Sears Hometown]] had a location at the mall even though it wasn't an anchor store; in the early 2000s, Sears Hometown relocated to a space in the plaza building in front of the new Walmart location.


By 2002, Rubloff Development Group had ownership of the mall. In 2006, Perkins Properties purchased the mall.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/monument-mall-gets-second-life-under-new-owners/article_139da62e-e26f-11e5-9ec7-cfd27d7a38ec.html Monument Mall gets second life under new owners]" Maunette Lokes (2016-03-04). Star-Herald.</ref>
By 2002, Rubloff Development Group had ownership of the mall. In 2006, Perkins Properties purchased the mall.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/monument-mall-gets-second-life-under-new-owners/article_139da62e-e26f-11e5-9ec7-cfd27d7a38ec.html Monument Mall gets second life under new owners]" Maunette Lokes (2016-03-04). Star-Herald.</ref>


The mall's JCPenney closed in mid-2012.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/jc-penney-store-closing-at-mall/article_938e0134-ac28-11e1-9280-001a4bcf887a.html JC Penney store closing at mall]". Star-Herald. 2012-06-01.</ref><ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/j-c-penney-store-closing-slated-for-july-28/article_6d806386-aec8-11e1-8b99-001a4bcf887a.html J.C. Penney store closing slated for July 28]" Roger Holsinger (2012-06-05). Star-Herald.</ref> In 2013, Sears Hometown relocated back<ref>"[https://neworks.nebraska.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/TrendsOct13.pdf Nebraska Workforce Trends]" (PDF). Nebraska Government. October 2013. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240128020819/https://neworks.nebraska.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/TrendsOct13.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 28 January 2024.</ref> to the mall (before later closing in 2015<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/sears-closing-but-new-businesses-ready-to-open-at-monument-mall/article_ac1739d2-1903-5ed9-b1dc-5459e2dc5eb4.html Sears closing but new businesses ready to open at Monument Mall]". Star-Herald.</ref> and being replaced by CrossFit Scottsbluff).
The mall's [[JCPenney 2307|JCPenney]] closed in mid-2012.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/jc-penney-store-closing-at-mall/article_938e0134-ac28-11e1-9280-001a4bcf887a.html JC Penney store closing at mall]". Star-Herald. 2012-06-01.</ref><ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/j-c-penney-store-closing-slated-for-july-28/article_6d806386-aec8-11e1-8b99-001a4bcf887a.html J.C. Penney store closing slated for July 28]" Roger Holsinger (2012-06-05). Star-Herald.</ref> In 2013, [[Sears Hometown 3308|Sears Hometown]] relocated back<ref>"[https://neworks.nebraska.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/TrendsOct13.pdf Nebraska Workforce Trends]" (PDF). Nebraska Government. October 2013. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240128020819/https://neworks.nebraska.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/TrendsOct13.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 28 January 2024.</ref> to the mall (before later closing in 2015<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/sears-closing-but-new-businesses-ready-to-open-at-monument-mall/article_ac1739d2-1903-5ed9-b1dc-5459e2dc5eb4.html Sears closing but new businesses ready to open at Monument Mall]". Star-Herald.</ref> and being replaced by CrossFit Scottsbluff).


Also in 2013, RockStep Capital purchased the property<ref>"[http://deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=510872&page=1&cr=1 2013-6880 - Laserfiche WebLink]". deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org. December 19, 2013. [http://web.archive.org/web/20240129071030/http://deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org/WebLink/PDF/0vkaabq5dsxaqwcqrmfqvwet/1/2013-6880.pdf Archived (PDF)] from the original on 2024-01-29.</ref> with plans of redeveloping the mall<ref>Service, World-Herald News (2013-12-29). "[https://omaha.com/news/new-owner-takes-over-scottsbluff-s-monument-mall/article_0eb13641-7c7a-5786-b4e1-b368ef684040.html New owner takes over Scottsbluff's Monument Mall]". Omaha World-Herald.</ref> and breathing fresh life into the building. This process included four phases, starting with the mall's interior concourse and working outward. The final phase includes the Kmart next door.<ref>"[https://ruralradio.com/kneb-am/news/redevelopment-plan-update-proposed-for-uptown-mall-former-kmart-site-in-scottsbluff/ Redevelopment plan update proposed for Uptown Mall, former Kmart site in Scottsbluff]". KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM. 2023-12-14. </ref>
Also in 2013, RockStep Capital purchased the property<ref>"[http://deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=510872&page=1&cr=1 2013-6880 - Laserfiche WebLink]". deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org. December 19, 2013. [http://web.archive.org/web/20240129071030/http://deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org/WebLink/PDF/0vkaabq5dsxaqwcqrmfqvwet/1/2013-6880.pdf Archived (PDF)] from the original on 2024-01-29.</ref> with plans of redeveloping the mall<ref>Service, World-Herald News (2013-12-29). "[https://omaha.com/news/new-owner-takes-over-scottsbluff-s-monument-mall/article_0eb13641-7c7a-5786-b4e1-b368ef684040.html New owner takes over Scottsbluff's Monument Mall]". Omaha World-Herald.</ref> and breathing fresh life into the building. This process included four phases, starting with the mall's interior concourse and working outward. The final phase includes the [[Kmart 7024|Kmart]] next door.<ref>"[https://ruralradio.com/kneb-am/news/redevelopment-plan-update-proposed-for-uptown-mall-former-kmart-site-in-scottsbluff/ Redevelopment plan update proposed for Uptown Mall, former Kmart site in Scottsbluff]". KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM. 2023-12-14. </ref>


Dunham's Sports opened a store at the mall in 2015, taking the southern portion of the former Walmart space that also uses the mall entry.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/dunhams-sports-grand-opening-set-for-june-5/article_c5d027ea-f904-5bca-b232-cc1f1611f92e.html Dunham's Sports grand opening set for June 5]". Star-Herald. 2015-06-02.</ref> Hobby Lobby soon opened next door to Dunham's Sports, taking over most of the remaining vacant space that once made up the Walmart anchor.<ref>Reporter, JOE DUTTON Staff (2015-03-23). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/hobby-lobby-opens-in-scottsbluff/article_560bed76-a2a4-5360-a807-a36645e8029a.html Hobby Lobby opens in Scottsbluff]".</ref>
Dunham's Sports opened a store at the mall in 2015, taking the southern portion of the former Walmart space that also uses the mall entry.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/dunhams-sports-grand-opening-set-for-june-5/article_c5d027ea-f904-5bca-b232-cc1f1611f92e.html Dunham's Sports grand opening set for June 5]". Star-Herald. 2015-06-02.</ref> [[Hobby Lobby 639|Hobby Lobby]] soon opened next door to Dunham's Sports, taking over most of the remaining vacant space that once made up the Walmart anchor.<ref>Reporter, JOE DUTTON Staff (2015-03-23). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/hobby-lobby-opens-in-scottsbluff/article_560bed76-a2a4-5360-a807-a36645e8029a.html Hobby Lobby opens in Scottsbluff]".</ref>


The AMC Cinema 6 theatre closed on March 22, 2018 so that Reel Lux Cinemas, the new owner of the theatre, could renovate the space which planned to reopen in April.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/mall-theaters-closed-new-owners-plan-luxury-movie-experience-with-reclining-seats-and-more/article_f75e2f23-e128-55ad-ba05-12fc640be76b.html Mall theaters closed, new owners plan luxury movie experience with reclining seats and more]" Jerry Purvis (2018-03-23). Star-Herald.</ref> After Bon-Ton Stores Inc filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy that same year,<ref>Sentinel, Milwaukee Journal (2018-02-06). "[https://www.twincities.com/2018/02/05/herbergers-parent-company-files-for-bankruptcy/ Herberger's parent company files for bankruptcy]". Twin Cities.</ref> they closed their remaining 250 stores<ref>Star-Herald, JERRY PURVIS (2018-04-18). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/herbergers-closing-another-wake-up-call-economic-development-officials-say/article_d5bd26f5-e41a-59af-8e8a-f0ee66ac9449.html Herberger's closing 'another wake-up call,' economic development officials say]".</ref> including Scottsbluff's Herberger's location (which closed on August 29th).<ref>Star-Herald, JERRY PURVIS (2018-08-23). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/herberger-s-sets-aug-29-closing-date/article_b1d88ea7-f8c5-55ed-b4d8-5e83b1d6a04e.html Herberger's sets Aug. 29 closing date]". Star-Herald.</ref>
The AMC Cinema 6 theatre closed on March 22, 2018 so that Reel Lux Cinemas, the new owner of the theatre, could renovate the space which planned to reopen in April.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/mall-theaters-closed-new-owners-plan-luxury-movie-experience-with-reclining-seats-and-more/article_f75e2f23-e128-55ad-ba05-12fc640be76b.html Mall theaters closed, new owners plan luxury movie experience with reclining seats and more]" Jerry Purvis (2018-03-23). Star-Herald.</ref> After Bon-Ton Stores Inc filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy that same year,<ref>Sentinel, Milwaukee Journal (2018-02-06). "[https://www.twincities.com/2018/02/05/herbergers-parent-company-files-for-bankruptcy/ Herberger's parent company files for bankruptcy]". Twin Cities.</ref> they closed their remaining 250 stores<ref>Star-Herald, JERRY PURVIS (2018-04-18). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/herbergers-closing-another-wake-up-call-economic-development-officials-say/article_d5bd26f5-e41a-59af-8e8a-f0ee66ac9449.html Herberger's closing 'another wake-up call,' economic development officials say]".</ref> including Scottsbluff's Herberger's location (which closed on August 29th).<ref>Star-Herald, JERRY PURVIS (2018-08-23). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/herberger-s-sets-aug-29-closing-date/article_b1d88ea7-f8c5-55ed-b4d8-5e83b1d6a04e.html Herberger's sets Aug. 29 closing date]". Star-Herald.</ref>


In early 2019, the southern portion of the former Herberger's would be replaced by Harbor Freight Tools,<ref>Star-Herald, IRENE NORTH (2019-04-24). "[https://starherald.com/news/harbor-freight-opens-for-business/article_4d6ff231-5dc1-5d72-802d-56c97e966dc8.html Harbor Freight opens for business]". Star-Herald.</ref> and Planet Bounce Family Fun Center relocated back to the former JCPenney space.<ref>[https://wikimapia.org/12532386/Uptown-Scottsbluff Uptown Scottsbluff - wikimapia]</ref><ref>Star-Herald, IRENE NORTH (2019-04-22). "[https://starherald.com/news/monument-mall-continues-to-move-forward-despite-changing-retail-landscape/article_2f1057b6-4099-5486-8be0-9f998254e14b.html Monument Mall continues to move forward despite changing retail landscape]". Star-Herald.</ref> Later in 2019, Dollar Tree opened their location next to Hobby Lobby, filling up the vacancy that previously still remained inside the old Walmart anchor.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/dollar-tree-open-for-business-thursday/article_2e03ed72-b8a8-525c-9c97-8d8cd901d31d.html Dollar Tree open for business Thursday]". Star-Herald. 2019-06-25.</ref>
In early 2019, the southern portion of the former Herberger's would be replaced by Harbor Freight Tools,<ref>Star-Herald, IRENE NORTH (2019-04-24). "[https://starherald.com/news/harbor-freight-opens-for-business/article_4d6ff231-5dc1-5d72-802d-56c97e966dc8.html Harbor Freight opens for business]". Star-Herald.</ref> and Planet Bounce Family Fun Center relocated back to the former [[JCPenney 2307|JCPenney]] space.<ref>[https://wikimapia.org/12532386/Uptown-Scottsbluff Uptown Scottsbluff - wikimapia]</ref><ref>Star-Herald, IRENE NORTH (2019-04-22). "[https://starherald.com/news/monument-mall-continues-to-move-forward-despite-changing-retail-landscape/article_2f1057b6-4099-5486-8be0-9f998254e14b.html Monument Mall continues to move forward despite changing retail landscape]". Star-Herald.</ref> Later in 2019, [[Dollar Tree 7840|Dollar Tree]] opened their location next to [[Hobby Lobby 639|Hobby Lobby]], filling up the vacancy that previously still remained inside the old [[Walmart Supercenter 867|Walmart]] anchor.<ref>"[https://starherald.com/news/local/dollar-tree-open-for-business-thursday/article_2e03ed72-b8a8-525c-9c97-8d8cd901d31d.html Dollar Tree open for business Thursday]". Star-Herald. 2019-06-25.</ref>


=== Rebrand to Uptown Scottsbluff, continued redevelopment ===
=== Rebrand to Uptown Scottsbluff, continued redevelopment ===
In 2020, RockStep Capital would begin the process of rebranding their malls to the Uptown branding,<ref>"[https://panhandlepost.com/posts/703f22c2-0e5f-4b91-8be9-9cecd7594053 Monument Mall changes name to Uptown Scottsbluff]". Panhandle Post. 2020-07-20.</ref><ref>"[https://roanoke.com/business/new-river-valley-mall-getting-new-name-uptown-christiansburg/article_e339b91a-ce51-5db7-a6bb-91907631dbec.html New River Valley Mall getting new name: Uptown Christiansburg]". Roanoke Times.</ref> including Scottsbluff's Monument Mall. This rebranding effort was done in part to shift away from using the word, "mall."<ref>"[https://ruralradio.com/kneb-am/news/scottsbluffs-monument-mall-rebranded-to-uptown-scottsbluff/ Scottsbluffs Monument Mall Rebranded To Uptown Scottsbluff]". KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM. 2020-07-21.</ref> By and continuing through this time frame, many local establishments had been opening up inside of the mall including Locos Restaurant,<ref>"[https://chainstoreage.com/nebraska-mall-credits-covid-19-its-rejuvenation Nebraska mall credits COVID-19 for its rejuvenation]" (2021-07-06). Chain Store Age - The Business of Retail.</ref> Game Time Cards & Collectibles,<ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/content/news/Gaming-store-moves-into-Monument-Mall-571447021.html Gaming store moves into Monument Mall]" Brian Sherrod (2020-06-23). KGWN Scottsbluff</ref> and Flyover Archery.<ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/video/2022/02/24/new-indoor-archery-range-uptown-mall-scottsbluff/ New indoor archery range in Uptown Mall in Scottsbluff]" NBC Nebraska News at 6 (2022-02-23). KGWN Scottsbluff.</ref>
In 2020, RockStep Capital would begin the process of rebranding their malls to the Uptown branding,<ref>"[https://panhandlepost.com/posts/703f22c2-0e5f-4b91-8be9-9cecd7594053 Monument Mall changes name to Uptown Scottsbluff]". Panhandle Post. 2020-07-20.</ref><ref>"[https://roanoke.com/business/new-river-valley-mall-getting-new-name-uptown-christiansburg/article_e339b91a-ce51-5db7-a6bb-91907631dbec.html New River Valley Mall getting new name: Uptown Christiansburg]". Roanoke Times.</ref> including Scottsbluff's Monument Mall. This rebranding effort was done in part to shift away from using the word, "mall."<ref>"[https://ruralradio.com/kneb-am/news/scottsbluffs-monument-mall-rebranded-to-uptown-scottsbluff/ Scottsbluffs Monument Mall Rebranded To Uptown Scottsbluff]". KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM. 2020-07-21.</ref> By and continuing through this time frame, many local establishments had been opening up inside of the mall including Locos Restaurant,<ref>"[https://chainstoreage.com/nebraska-mall-credits-covid-19-its-rejuvenation Nebraska mall credits COVID-19 for its rejuvenation]" (2021-07-06). Chain Store Age - The Business of Retail.</ref> Game Time Cards & Collectibles,<ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/content/news/Gaming-store-moves-into-Monument-Mall-571447021.html Gaming store moves into Monument Mall]" Brian Sherrod (2020-06-23). KGWN Scottsbluff</ref> and Flyover Archery.<ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/video/2022/02/24/new-indoor-archery-range-uptown-mall-scottsbluff/ New indoor archery range in Uptown Mall in Scottsbluff]" NBC Nebraska News at 6 (2022-02-23). KGWN Scottsbluff.</ref>


In addition to the Monument Mall, RockStep Capital had purchased the neighboring Kmart building. In early 2023, the Kmart building was sold to Scottsbluff KM Redevelopment, LLC.<ref>"[https://ruralradio.com/kozy/news/former-kmart-property-in-scottsbluff-sold-to-delaware-llc-tied-to-rockstep-capital/ Former Kmart Property in Scottsbluff Sold to Delaware LLC Tied to Rockstep Capital]". KOZY.</ref> The same year, new plans were announced for another expected occupant of the former Herberger's space.<ref>Star-Herald, MAUNETTE LOEKS (2023-06-13). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/business/the-rockstep-way-company-has-big-plans-for-scottsbluff-mall-spurs-new-interest-with-purchase/article_731af084-092c-11ee-ab7b-07619482ab2f.html The RockStep way: Company has big plans for Scottsbluff mall, spurs new interest with purchase of former Kmart facility]". Star-Herald.</ref> As of January 2024, plans have been approved that will soon redevelop the neighboring Kmart and also further improve Uptown Scottsbluff.<ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/2024/01/22/uptown-mall-approved-new-redevlopments/?outputType=amp Uptown Mall approved for new redevelopments]" Travis Morris (2024-01-22). KGWN Scottsbluff.</ref><ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/video/2024/01/23/uptown-mall-approved-new-redevelopments/ Uptown Mall approved for new redevelopments]" (2024-01-23). KGWN Scottsbluff</ref>
In addition to the Monument Mall, RockStep Capital had purchased the neighboring Kmart building. In early 2023, the [[Kmart 7024|Kmart]] building was sold to Scottsbluff KM Redevelopment, LLC.<ref>"[https://ruralradio.com/kozy/news/former-kmart-property-in-scottsbluff-sold-to-delaware-llc-tied-to-rockstep-capital/ Former Kmart Property in Scottsbluff Sold to Delaware LLC Tied to Rockstep Capital]". KOZY.</ref> The same year, new plans were announced for another expected occupant of the former Herberger's space.<ref>Star-Herald, MAUNETTE LOEKS (2023-06-13). "[https://starherald.com/news/local/business/the-rockstep-way-company-has-big-plans-for-scottsbluff-mall-spurs-new-interest-with-purchase/article_731af084-092c-11ee-ab7b-07619482ab2f.html The RockStep way: Company has big plans for Scottsbluff mall, spurs new interest with purchase of former Kmart facility]". Star-Herald.</ref> As of January 2024, plans have been approved that will soon redevelop the neighboring Kmart and also further improve Uptown Scottsbluff.<ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/2024/01/22/uptown-mall-approved-new-redevlopments/?outputType=amp Uptown Mall approved for new redevelopments]" Travis Morris (2024-01-22). KGWN Scottsbluff.</ref><ref>"[https://www.kgwnscottsbluff.com/video/2024/01/23/uptown-mall-approved-new-redevelopments/ Uptown Mall approved for new redevelopments]" (2024-01-23). KGWN Scottsbluff</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 06:22, 31 January 2024

Uptown Scottsbluff
Map
Former namesMonument Mall
General information
Location2302 Frontage Road
Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Coordinates41°52′11.77″N 103°38′58.53″W / 41.8699361°N 103.6495917°W / 41.8699361; -103.6495917Coordinates: 41°52′11.77″N 103°38′58.53″W / 41.8699361°N 103.6495917°W / 41.8699361; -103.6495917
OpenedAugust 1986
OwnerRockStep Capital
Other information
Number of stores46
Number of anchors~3
Website
[Uptown Scottsbluff website]

Uptown Scottsbluff, formerly Monument Mall, is a shopping mall located along US-26 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska currently owned by RockStep Capital. The building (including anchors) occupies approximately 359,675 sq ft (33,414.9 m2) and is made up of one floor for the interior public concourse. It was built in the mid-1980s with three different anchor stores.[1] Today, about twenty-eight out of the forty-six stores are occupied including the anchors and the movie theatre, and it still maintains many of the 80s aesthetics throughout the building.

History[edit | edit source]

Early years[edit | edit source]

Monument Mall opened in August 1986.[1] Built using a similar layout and features to Hilltop Mall in Kearney, Nebraska, Monument Mall's earliest anchors were Walmart, JCPenney, and Herberger's. One of the earliest small-format tenants of the mall was E&E Gift Store, owned by Edward M. Hilzer and his wife.[2]

Throughout the 90s, the mall was owned by Dial Reit Inc.,[3] later known as Mid-America Realty Investments Inc.,[4] which owned many shopping malls and plazas in the Nebraska area including Stockyards Plaza in Omaha and Imperial Mall in Hastings.

Struggles and RockStep Capital's ownership[edit | edit source]

Walmart relocated in 2002 to a new standalone location on the corner of US-26 and Ave.[5] Sears Hometown had a location at the mall even though it wasn't an anchor store; in the early 2000s, Sears Hometown relocated to a space in the plaza building in front of the new Walmart location.

By 2002, Rubloff Development Group had ownership of the mall. In 2006, Perkins Properties purchased the mall.[6]

The mall's JCPenney closed in mid-2012.[7][8] In 2013, Sears Hometown relocated back[9] to the mall (before later closing in 2015[10] and being replaced by CrossFit Scottsbluff).

Also in 2013, RockStep Capital purchased the property[11] with plans of redeveloping the mall[12] and breathing fresh life into the building. This process included four phases, starting with the mall's interior concourse and working outward. The final phase includes the Kmart next door.[13]

Dunham's Sports opened a store at the mall in 2015, taking the southern portion of the former Walmart space that also uses the mall entry.[14] Hobby Lobby soon opened next door to Dunham's Sports, taking over most of the remaining vacant space that once made up the Walmart anchor.[15]

The AMC Cinema 6 theatre closed on March 22, 2018 so that Reel Lux Cinemas, the new owner of the theatre, could renovate the space which planned to reopen in April.[16] After Bon-Ton Stores Inc filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy that same year,[17] they closed their remaining 250 stores[18] including Scottsbluff's Herberger's location (which closed on August 29th).[19]

In early 2019, the southern portion of the former Herberger's would be replaced by Harbor Freight Tools,[20] and Planet Bounce Family Fun Center relocated back to the former JCPenney space.[21][22] Later in 2019, Dollar Tree opened their location next to Hobby Lobby, filling up the vacancy that previously still remained inside the old Walmart anchor.[23]

Rebrand to Uptown Scottsbluff, continued redevelopment[edit | edit source]

In 2020, RockStep Capital would begin the process of rebranding their malls to the Uptown branding,[24][25] including Scottsbluff's Monument Mall. This rebranding effort was done in part to shift away from using the word, "mall."[26] By and continuing through this time frame, many local establishments had been opening up inside of the mall including Locos Restaurant,[27] Game Time Cards & Collectibles,[28] and Flyover Archery.[29]

In addition to the Monument Mall, RockStep Capital had purchased the neighboring Kmart building. In early 2023, the Kmart building was sold to Scottsbluff KM Redevelopment, LLC.[30] The same year, new plans were announced for another expected occupant of the former Herberger's space.[31] As of January 2024, plans have been approved that will soon redevelop the neighboring Kmart and also further improve Uptown Scottsbluff.[32][33]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 SCHANEMAN, BART (2006-10-04). "Birthday celebration: Mall marking 20-year existence this weekend". Star-Herald.
  2. ↑ "Edward Hilzer Obituary - Scottsbluff, NE". Dignity Memorial.
  3. ↑ Dial Reit CEO Resigns. McCook Daily Gazette. [1]
  4. ↑ Dial REIT name change. McCook Daily Gazette. [2]
  5. ↑ Star-Herald, MAUNETTE LOEKS (2023-06-13). "The RockStep way: Company has big plans for Scottsbluff mall, spurs new interest with purchase of former Kmart facility". Star-Herald.
  6. ↑ "Monument Mall gets second life under new owners" Maunette Lokes (2016-03-04). Star-Herald.
  7. ↑ "JC Penney store closing at mall". Star-Herald. 2012-06-01.
  8. ↑ "J.C. Penney store closing slated for July 28" Roger Holsinger (2012-06-05). Star-Herald.
  9. ↑ "Nebraska Workforce Trends" (PDF). Nebraska Government. October 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 January 2024.
  10. ↑ "Sears closing but new businesses ready to open at Monument Mall". Star-Herald.
  11. ↑ "2013-6880 - Laserfiche WebLink". deedsonline.scottsbluffcounty.org. December 19, 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-01-29.
  12. ↑ Service, World-Herald News (2013-12-29). "New owner takes over Scottsbluff's Monument Mall". Omaha World-Herald.
  13. ↑ "Redevelopment plan update proposed for Uptown Mall, former Kmart site in Scottsbluff". KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM. 2023-12-14.
  14. ↑ "Dunham's Sports grand opening set for June 5". Star-Herald. 2015-06-02.
  15. ↑ Reporter, JOE DUTTON Staff (2015-03-23). "Hobby Lobby opens in Scottsbluff".
  16. ↑ "Mall theaters closed, new owners plan luxury movie experience with reclining seats and more" Jerry Purvis (2018-03-23). Star-Herald.
  17. ↑ Sentinel, Milwaukee Journal (2018-02-06). "Herberger's parent company files for bankruptcy". Twin Cities.
  18. ↑ Star-Herald, JERRY PURVIS (2018-04-18). "Herberger's closing 'another wake-up call,' economic development officials say".
  19. ↑ Star-Herald, JERRY PURVIS (2018-08-23). "Herberger's sets Aug. 29 closing date". Star-Herald.
  20. ↑ Star-Herald, IRENE NORTH (2019-04-24). "Harbor Freight opens for business". Star-Herald.
  21. ↑ Uptown Scottsbluff - wikimapia
  22. ↑ Star-Herald, IRENE NORTH (2019-04-22). "Monument Mall continues to move forward despite changing retail landscape". Star-Herald.
  23. ↑ "Dollar Tree open for business Thursday". Star-Herald. 2019-06-25.
  24. ↑ "Monument Mall changes name to Uptown Scottsbluff". Panhandle Post. 2020-07-20.
  25. ↑ "New River Valley Mall getting new name: Uptown Christiansburg". Roanoke Times.
  26. ↑ "Scottsbluffs Monument Mall Rebranded To Uptown Scottsbluff". KNEB-AM 960 AM – 100.3 FM. 2020-07-21.
  27. ↑ "Nebraska mall credits COVID-19 for its rejuvenation" (2021-07-06). Chain Store Age - The Business of Retail.
  28. ↑ "Gaming store moves into Monument Mall" Brian Sherrod (2020-06-23). KGWN Scottsbluff
  29. ↑ "New indoor archery range in Uptown Mall in Scottsbluff" NBC Nebraska News at 6 (2022-02-23). KGWN Scottsbluff.
  30. ↑ "Former Kmart Property in Scottsbluff Sold to Delaware LLC Tied to Rockstep Capital". KOZY.
  31. ↑ Star-Herald, MAUNETTE LOEKS (2023-06-13). "The RockStep way: Company has big plans for Scottsbluff mall, spurs new interest with purchase of former Kmart facility". Star-Herald.
  32. ↑ "Uptown Mall approved for new redevelopments" Travis Morris (2024-01-22). KGWN Scottsbluff.
  33. ↑ "Uptown Mall approved for new redevelopments" (2024-01-23). KGWN Scottsbluff
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