Redevelopment at Independence - Shift Toward Lifestyle Retail Center

Wilmington, NC — Independence Mall, the iconic enclosed retail center located at 3500 Oleander Drive, is in the midst of a major transformation. Originally built in 1979 and anchored by Belk, JCPenney, and Dillard’s, the property is now being reimagined as The Collection at Independence, signaling a fundamental shift in retail experience and urban design.

Evolution from Enclosed Mall to Open-Air Lifestyle Destination

Once the region’s premier indoor mall, the property fell into decline and entered foreclosure status in 2014 under a $110 million loan. A turnaround began when Brookfield Properties acquired the asset in 2017, later unveiling a plan to convert the mall into a pedestrian-oriented streetscape featuring restaurants, community programming options, and curated retail experiences. 

Redevelopment work accelerated starting in 2019 with demolition of the former Sears wing. That area is now being replaced by new retail space—including high-volume dining, boutique stores, and an anchor grocery option—designed to face Oleander Drive and encourage walkability. 

Project Milestones and Design Highlights

• The Sears structure and interior mall section were removed, making room for a modern streetscape lined with outward-facing tenant spaces and a refreshed public area.
• A grocery anchor and several full-service restaurants are included in the first phase.
• Renovations integrate architectural upgrades like outdoor plazas, fitness or mixed-use space, landscaped walkways, and targeted parking reductions.
• Although still retaining core anchor tenants like Belk and Dillard’s, newer outparcel restaurants have already opened, including fitness and boutique food options.

Why the Redevelopment Matters

• Cultural & commercial rejuvenation: This redevelopment converts a dated retail model into a destination resembling its own pedestrian-friendly district, blending dining, shopping, and gathering spaces.
• Alignment with national retail trends: The shift away from deep-enclosed malls into lifestyle “town centers” reflects broader retail evolution, particularly in secondary markets.
• City support & long-term strategy: Local agencies have supported significant infrastructure adjustments—zoning allowances, sidewalk connectivity, and mobility upgrades—to foster mixed-use land use synergy. 

Stakeholder Watch Points

• Future phases: Plans hint at mixed-use components including fitness centers, residential overlays, or office uses—bringing long-term investment potential to the site.
• Retail lineup shifts: As new national and local brands take occupancy, neighboring corridor businesses stay alert to changing competitive dynamics.
• Community ecosystem gains: The shift toward open-air malls amplifies discretionary gatherings and cross-block foot traffic, aligning with destination retail and public accessibility strategies.

Conclusion

Independence Mall’s long-gestating transformation into The Collection at Independence represents more than structural change—it reveals Wilmington’s strategic move toward experiential and mixed-use retail ecosystems. For developers, investors, and planners tracking Southern secondary markets, the project is both a case study in adaptive reuse and an emerging commercial hub capturing a broader shift in downtown and suburban center development.