GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After what critics describe as decades of decline, store closures and rising crime in the area, Rivergate Mall is officially up for sale, and one company within the company is putting it up for sale. Five months later, I'm having doubts about my future. Currently moving.
Real estate agent Franklin Street has listed Rivergate Mall, a more than 500,000-square-foot building on about 30 acres, at “market value.”
Jason Matherly, owner of The Academy, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts school located in Rivergate Mall, remembers the mall's heyday, when he opened a business there five months ago. That was one of the reasons I chose to relocate.
“Moving to the mall was a big deal. When I came through here in its heyday, this was always the place to be,” Matherly said. “When we had the opportunity, we came here and thought, ‘Hey, hey, I think this is a great place,’ and so far it’s been that way.”
Matherly told News 2 there are many misconceptions spread about Rivergate Mall by people who haven't visited in years, adding that the space has many opportunities to offer local businesses. Although he hopes the mall will survive the sale, he remains open-minded.
“When you see it for sale, you think, 'Oh, I hope they don't tear down the mall and try to go a completely different route,' but then again, it might be a great time. “Try to revitalize and bring back the mall,'' Matherly said. “We know it's never going to be the same. People talk a lot about that, but it probably won't be, and that might be a good thing, but here's the thing for other (local) stores. I think there are still many opportunities.
Metro City Councilwoman Jennifer Frensley Webb, who represents the Goodlettsville and North Madison area, told News 2 city leaders have not yet decided who or what will take over Rivergate Mall. But he said there could be “significant options” for retail mixed-use. . If that happens, she hopes the businesses currently occupying the mall will consider moving into the space once it's completed.
“They're trying to get through the most difficult period for malls, and I don't think anyone wants anything other than to benefit them,” Frensley-Webb said. “The endless opportunities this will bring to Goodlettsville will be overwhelming for the residents of Goodlettsville and Madison. I think it's a game changer.”
Frensley-Webb said the mall has already received a lot of interest since it went up for sale.
In addition to the potential sale of Rivergate Mall, West Coast-based fast food chain In-N-Out Burger has filed an application to build a new store near Rivergate Mall. Last month, BJ's Wholesale Store also opened down the street.
“We know that this north area of Goodlettsville and Madison is taking big steps toward revitalization, and if someone wants to come to the Nashville area or the north side, they should really look at this area. I think we need to turn,” Frensley said. – said Webb. “I think this is the diamond in the rough coming back.”
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No matter what the mall becomes, Matherly believes its future success will depend on the support of the community.
“What’s the point in someone starting a business? If all they hear from the community is negative, they’re not going to do it, so as a community we say that’s the first step.” I think so,” Matherly said. “If we can't get the community to voluntarily participate and actually support these businesses, we're not going to be successful.”