Finally, Malls are Dead

To whom it may concern,

The recent bankruptcy filing of General Growth Properties has begun to churn the rumor mill about the state of commercial real estate in America. There have been several large retail chains that have gone under during this recession. All of these casualties have been large, big-box retailers that support an old, out-dated, and over-consumptive form of retail. As the second largest property owner of malls in the US, this bankruptcy can be partially attributed to the recession, but also to the end of an era. The automobile-oriented commercial shopping centers and strip malls are and must end in this country. The convenience of driving our cars from door to door has had a detrimental effect on the environment, public health, and our energy independence. It is the market that has changed, and these large malls and huge big-box retailers are out of touch with what the consumer wants. In this instance, the government should be providing incentives for small businesses and the mom and pop stores that were previously put out of business by these now failing corporations to fill the gaps of these larger retailers. We should be promoting more organic commercial growth, and focus that growth and revitalization in existing urban areas, at in-fill sites, and designed in a manner that promotes local, neighborhood development and walkability. Will the government bailout these commercial failures, or will they let the market decide the winners and the losers?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP