A discussion is emerging among Philadelphia preservationists about whether malls, which are increasingly threatened with decline, deserve preservation, writes Kyle Bagenstose for Hidden City.

One example is Franklin Mall, which has seen a series of name and ownership changes in recent years. Most recently, its name changed from Philadelphia Mills after it was acquired over the summer by the private investment group Jones Lang LaSalle. However, the company has not yet disclosed its plans for trying to reinvigorate this once-popular mall.

Since there are currently no plans to demolish any malls in Philadelphia or the surrounding region, regardless of their condition, Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, sees no reason for action.

“I don’t think there’s much of a clamor for preserving malls, but there is a new desire to find new uses for the real estate,” he said.

He also voiced skepticism about the need to preserve the malls, even though there is a community dedicated to maintaining the golden era of the American mall.

“I wouldn’t care if Franklin Mall went away, but there are some people who might be devastated and speak out for preservation in some way,” Steinke said.

Read more about Franklin Mall and the debate on whether malls should be preserved in Hidden City.

_____