5 Surprising Facts About Miller Hill Mall's Resilience After The Roof Collapse And Its Future

The Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, Minnesota, has recently emerged as a powerful symbol of retail resilience, navigating a major structural challenge while simultaneously welcoming new tenants and planning for a robust future. As of December 15, 2025, the mall is in a crucial phase of its operational history, having undergone a significant, high-profile event that captured regional attention: a partial roof collapse.

This incident, caused by heavy snow and ice, forced a temporary closure and a subsequent phased reopening, but it has not deterred the mall's long-term vision. Owned by the influential Simon Property Group, Miller Hill Mall continues to serve as the dominant retail hub for the entire Northland region, with strategic new additions and ongoing municipal planning aimed at ensuring its vitality for years to come.

Miller Hill Mall: Comprehensive Profile and Key Facts

The Miller Hill Mall holds a unique place in the retail landscape of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since its opening, it has been the primary climate-controlled shopping destination outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, making it a critical economic and social center for the region.

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• Location: 1600 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, Minnesota.
• Ownership: Simon Property Group, one of the largest retail real estate companies in the world.
• Opening Date: July 25, 1973.
• Size: Features approximately 103 to 108 stores and a dedicated food court.
• Anchor Stores (Current): JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Essentia Health.
• Notable Former Anchors: Sears, Younkers, Montgomery Ward, and Glass Block.
• Regional Significance: Serves the entire Duluth-Superior metropolitan area and a large segment of the Iron Range.

The mall is strategically located on U.S. Highway 53 where it intersects Trinity Road, making it highly accessible. Its status as the area's only enclosed mall has contributed significantly to its enduring appeal, even as traditional retail faces challenges across the country. The presence of a major healthcare provider, Essentia Health, as an anchor store is a modern trend reflecting the diversification of mall spaces beyond pure retail.

The Shocking Roof Collapse and Phased Reopening Status

The recent structural incident at the mall became a major news story, underscoring the challenges of maintaining large commercial properties in a harsh northern climate. In early 2024, a large section of the Miller Hill Mall roof collapsed due to the immense weight of accumulated snow and ice.

This unexpected event occurred on a Tuesday morning, causing a significant amount of snow, debris, and structural materials to spill into a concourse area of the building. Fortunately, the collapse happened before the mall was fully operational for the day, and authorities confirmed there were no serious injuries, though the mall was immediately evacuated and closed for inspection and repairs.

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The mall's management, under Simon Property Group, quickly initiated a plan for a phased reopening, a complex process requiring city approval and extensive safety checks. This approach allowed unaffected portions of the mall and specific retailers to resume operations while the damaged area underwent significant reconstruction. The phased reopening demonstrates a commitment to returning to full service as quickly and safely as possible, minimizing disruption to the regional economy and the many retailers who rely on the location.

New Retailers, Diversification, and the Future of the Miller Hill Corridor

Despite the setback from the roof collapse, the Miller Hill Mall continues to attract new business and remains a focal point for long-term urban planning in Duluth. This influx of new tenants is a strong indicator of the mall's perceived future vitality.

A Wave of New Tenants and Food Options

The mall has recently announced or welcomed several key additions, demonstrating a commitment to refreshing its retail and dining mix:

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• Cinnabon’s Return: The popular cinnamon roll bakery has returned to the mall, opening a new location in Center Court, a move that is highly anticipated by long-time shoppers.
• Other New Stores: The mall has welcomed several other new, year-round and seasonal tenants, including the announcement of a "refreshing new tenant" to serve customers during peak shopping days.
• External Development: The immediate area around the mall has also seen major development, most notably the opening of a Chick-fil-A restaurant nearby on Miller Trunk Highway, further solidifying the corridor as a dining and retail destination.

Long-Term Development and Urban Planning

The future of the Miller Hill Mall and the surrounding area is not left to chance; it is the subject of official city planning initiatives. The City of Duluth has developed the Miller Hill Mall Small Area Plan and the broader Miller Hill Corridor Plan.

These plans outline goals for future development and redevelopment in the area, specifically aiming for a transition in development patterns between 2015 and 2025. Key components of the planning include:

• Place-Making: Recommendations for enhancing the public space and creating a more attractive environment beyond just retail.
• Quality Standards: Setting high quality and volume standards for new construction and redevelopment projects.
• Transit Integration: The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) has also made recent adjustments to its Miller Hill Mall Hub location, ensuring that public transportation continues to effectively serve the major retail center.

The integration of the Essentia Health anchor, the arrival of new food and retail options, and the city's long-term planning efforts all point toward a future where the Miller Hill Mall evolves from a traditional enclosed shopping center into a more diversified, mixed-use commercial and community hub. This strategic approach ensures the mall's continued relevance and resilience in the evolving retail market of the Northland.