The Wrecking Ball Is Coming: 5 Shocking Facts About The Demolition And Future Of Oak Court Mall

The end of an era is officially in sight for one of East Memphis's most storied retail centers. As of late 2025, the once-premier Oak Court Mall, an enclosed shopping destination that defined high-end retail in the Mid-South for decades, is on a definitive path toward demolition and a complete transformation. This landmark property, located at 4465 Poplar Avenue, is set to be torn down and replaced with a modern, "truly mixed-use" development, marking a massive shift in the city's commercial landscape. This is not just a mall closure; it is a fundamental urban renewal project. The final chapter for the classic marble-covered structure is being written right now, with a firm timeline established by its new local ownership.

The news of the impending demolition, which has been confirmed by the developers, has sent ripples of nostalgia and anticipation throughout the Memphis community. While the mall remains technically open and operational in 2025, its days are numbered. The new plans promise to replace the sprawling, outdated retail footprint with a vibrant combination of residential living, new commercial spaces, and public parks, signaling a progressive future for the prime East Memphis location.

The Definitive Timeline: When the Wrecking Ball Hits Oak Court

The transition of the Oak Court Mall property is a multi-year project, orchestrated by a group of local investors led by the Memphis-based Poag Development Group. This marks the first time in decades that the property has been under local ownership, providing a strong incentive for a community-focused redevelopment.

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• New Ownership Secured: A group of more than 40 local investors, spearheaded by Poag Development Group, acquired the mall property in late 2023. The acquisition set the stage for the ambitious redevelopment project.
• Macy's Closure (January 2025): The long-vacant Macy's department store, which was once the Goldsmith's anchor, was the first major component to be addressed. The Macy's Inc. company announced the closure of 66 store locations, including the one at Oak Court Mall, in January 2025.
• Demolition Phase One (2025): Early plans filed by the developers indicate that the demolition of the former Macy's building is scheduled to begin in 2025. This parcel is a key part of the new site plan.
• Demolition Phase Two (2026): The main enclosed shopping mall structure is slated for demolition in 2026. This phase will permanently close the mall and clear the way for the new construction.
• Dillard's Status: The Dillard's store, which serves as the last remaining anchor, is expected to operate until the final demolition phase, although its ultimate fate in the new development is a critical point of interest for the community.

The current businesses and tenants are operating on a month-to-month basis, with the mall reassuring shoppers in 2025 that the facility remains open and welcoming, even as the larger demolition plans proceed.

From Luxury Mall to Mixed-Use Masterpiece: The Redevelopment Vision

The proposed plan for the 847,000-square-foot site at 4465 Poplar Avenue is a radical departure from its past as a classic indoor mall. Poag Development Group, known for its expertise in mixed-use properties, aims to create a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban village.

The concept, presented by developers Oak Court Partners and KPS Development Partners (led by President Scott Kern), is to establish a "truly mixed-use property." This modern approach is designed to cater to the evolving needs of East Memphis residents, moving away from a purely retail focus.

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Key Components of the New Development Plan:

The preliminary site plans filed with the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development offer a glimpse into the future of the property:

• Residential Units: A significant portion of the redevelopment will be dedicated to residential living. Plans show new townhouse units designed along Oak Court Drive, integrating housing directly into the new commercial landscape.
• New Retail and Commercial Space: The new design will feature modern, street-facing retail spaces, a trend that favors open-air shopping and better accessibility over the traditional enclosed mall format. This tenant mix is expected to revitalize the commercial appeal of the area.
• Public Spaces and Parks: The concept emphasizes community engagement, including the creation of new parks and green spaces. These areas will be lined up along a central street, offering gathering spots for residents and visitors.
• Integration of the Macy's Parcel: The demolition of the former Macy's is crucial, as the parcel will be incorporated into the overall site plan, allowing for a cohesive and comprehensive development.

The redevelopment of Oak Court Mall is a response to the national trend of declining enclosed mall traffic, transforming an underutilized asset into a functional, multi-faceted urban center. The project is managed by JLL, a Chicago-based firm, in partnership with Poag Development Group.

A Look Back: The Storied History of Oak Court Mall

To understand the magnitude of the demolition, one must appreciate the mall’s historical significance. When it opened in 1988, Oak Court Mall was immediately hailed as a pinnacle of luxury and premier shopping in the Mid-South region.

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The project was a landmark collaboration between renowned developers Jack Belz and Henry Turley. The mall was characterized by its elegant, marble-covered interiors and exquisite landscaping, earning it an induction into the Memphis Most Beautiful Business Hall of Fame.

Original Anchors and Key Entities:

The mall's original tenant mix reflected its high-end aspirations, featuring major department store anchors that drew shoppers from across the region:

• Lord & Taylor: One of the original and most prestigious anchors, its presence cemented Oak Court's status as a luxury destination.
• Goldsmith's: Another original anchor, the local favorite department store, which was later rebranded as Macy's.
• Dillard's: The third major anchor, which remains the last department store operating within the structure today.

The mall's decline mirrors the fate of many enclosed retail centers across the United States. While it once stood alongside other major retail hubs like the Mall of Memphis and Hickory Ridge Mall, the shift in consumer habits and the rise of e-commerce proved too great a challenge. The transition to a mixed-use property is a necessary evolution, preserving the site's economic importance while adapting it for the 21st century. The legacy of Oak Court Mall will soon give way to a new chapter of urban development on Poplar Avenue.