Today we will investigate what went wrong with the once successful Kansas City shopping destination Metro North Mall. Business Insider article - www.businessinsider.com/photo...
The mall was owned by the same owners as Oak Park Mall, and charged the same rent, which was overpriced for the location. The east wing with Montgomery Wards languished before Wards went bankrupt. Not to mention that the signs for Montgomery Ward stayed on the outside of the building for over 10 years. In the late 90's, Barry Woods opened up, and then Boardwalk and Zona Rosa about 4 years later, taking the gleam from Metro North. In addition, the Liberty area of Kansas City began taking off at the exact same time. Plus they sold out to the developers of Zona Rosa, so by that point in time they had ZERO initiative to make positive changes. Unfortunately, it wasn't just the fault of mall management, but also the management of the retail area on the other side of Barry Road. Best Buy pulled out of that location and opened up a store in the location just north of Barry Woods at Tiffany, and they opened up the one in Liberty as well. Not to mention that the shopping center just west of it across 169 underperformed for about 10 years after Circuit City went bankrupt. It's sad because the mall could have had at least another 10 good years. It had a great location situated at 152 and 169 hwys, but piss poor management all around is what caused it to close.
I live a short drive form this place, the macy's looks really weird next to the random bland apartment's, it's stuck in the past and it looks very cool at night. Ironic that now Zona Rosa seems to also be struggling, I go there sometimes and half the stores n some areas are vacant.
I didn’t know Zona Rosa (or however it’s spelled) was that close and hurt the mall. I hated going to Zona Tosa as a kid and much preferred Metro North but hearing that it helped push Metro North faster downward I hate it even more haha
As someone who lives nearby, Zona Rosa died too after COVID. All the bars closed down the smaller stores lost money, walking through there it's black windows and rented these room signs. The only thing keeping it alive are the apartments and families
I live within a stones throw of this as of 2022. The golf place is up and running. There’s some framing done for what looks like multi family Housing / apartments. The rest of its just a bunch of muddy puddles and trash from McDonald’s across the street
My family lived in Atchison, Kansas. In the 70s one of our favorite things was to spend a Saturday together at Metro North. My dad and I would often see a movie, while my mom and sister shopped. Whenever we split up to check out different stores, get an Orange Julius, or whatever, the center with the carpeted tiers and the hot air balloons were a great people watching spot and the place to meet up. Really fond memories, and it’s sad to know it is all gone - but life always moves forward.
There are some facts you missed in your video. While retailers were vacating Metro North, it wasn’t of their choosing. Metro North and Zona Rosa were developed and owned by the same company and they wanted to force those stores to move to Zona Rosa by NOT renewing leases at Metro North. It’s possible they may have also tried coercing retailers with increased rates at Metro North but I’m only aware of non-renewals, which would make more sense to drive retailers from the mall.
Wow. So many great memories at this place! As a child I was mesmerized by the hot air balloons and seeing Santa. I even got lost in this mall and separated from my mother and aunt and spent a little time in the security offices.
I like the crystal clear pictures. I like to see this as America, what it used to be like, and what it has become. It would be nice if they did renovate the area.
