What happened to Bellevue mall?

[InspectorRick]

Don't folks shop in Bellevue? Why did the mall end up empty with all the growth in the area?

[julie]

I think a lot of national retailers left to go to other malls such as Cool Springs Galleria & The Mall at Green Hills - more competition. I heard that a huge Wal-Mart Super Center was going up next door... Have you heard anything about that?

[Gormur]

I'm not surprised. Walmart is gonna own this city before we know it.

[Sparky]

Generally, when malls are opened, national retailers sign 10 to 15 year leases. This was also the case at Bellevue Mall, which at the onset was a beautiful new mall with full national tennacy. When the 10 - year mark came up, a perfect storm occurred. The Cool Springs area and Green Hills were opening up for commercial real estate opportunities and at the same time, the geniuses that managed the Bellevue Mall decided that as everyone's lease was coming up, that they would jack-up the rent. One by one the national chains jumped ship, causing a domino effect. Additionally as all of this was happening, there was a deal that fell through on a potential fourth anchor store, you can still see the facade in the mall where it was supposed to be - the final death blow.

I represent a major chain that in the Christmas of '01 was poised to get out with the last of the stores, but at the last second, the mall offered our company a month-to-month sweetheart of a deal. We were going to pull out right after Christmas, but ended up making some good money. We ended up staying right up until we got kicked out in December of 2007.

It will be interesting to see how the new outdoor development will go here, hope it is managed better...

[Unregistered]

I'm not surprised. Walmart is gonna own this city before we know it.

They already DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

Anyone know what is happening with the Bellevue Mall now? Besides sitting there empty and collecting dust.

[Jim Colyer]

I miss Bellevue Mall. I am still wearing the glasses I bought there.