© 2024 WYSO
Our Community. Our Nation. Our World.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Springfield's Boonshoft Museum Surviving As The Upper Valley Mall Declines

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery's satellite operation in Springfield's Upper Valley Mall is facing a tough decision. Even though attendance at the museum has been steady, the mall is struggling to survive.

Since 2012, Elder-Beerman, Macy's, JCPenney, Old Navy and Charlotte Russe have closed their doors. And just across the street, Hobby Lobby and K-Mart have recently shut down, too.

Sears is the only anchor store left, and the Boonshoft Museum is the other major attraction. Mark Meister of the Boonshoft said if the mall continues to fail, the museum might need to find a new home in Clark County.

"We would have to consider another location. Certainly, we're very interested in finding out what will happen at the mall. They do have a new owner," Meister explained. "We hope that they can get tenants for the spaces, but it's going to be a challenge without a doubt."

Urban Retail Properties manages the property. The company issued a statement saying currently there are no plans to sell or close Upper Valley Mall right now.

Despite what is happening at the mall, the Boonshoft Museum still expects to see 25,000 visitors this year.