Today is the final day for one of Michigan’s largest shopping malls

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – It has provided nearly 50 years of memories. One of Michigan’s largest shopping malls is closing today, soon to be demolished.

Opening back in 1976, the 1.5 million square foot Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights closes for good at 8:00 tonight.

There isn’t much left inside as the mall is essentially abandoned. However, the future of the mall’s site looks bright. Plans are to redevelop the land into a $1 billion mixed-used city center with groundbreaking scheduled for late 2025.

The project will feature housing, parks, a hotel, office space, shopping, restaurants and more. In addition, about 30 acres will be dedicated to public spaces, including infrastructure and a central park. The plans are to include a two-story community center at the park meant to be a focal point for community gatherings, music, art, and events.

The project is led by Lionheart Capital, a Miami-based real estate development and capital investment firm.