Milwaukee mall heading toward demolition date

Milwaukee may be the next city to take part in a decadelong trend in the United States involving a steady stream of shopping mall demolition projects.

According to WITI-TV in Milwaukee, a committee has undertaken steps that would allow it to take possession of the abandoned property Jan. 25. The city’s ownership likely would result in approval to demolish the Northridge Mall, which has been vacant for 20 years.

WITI reports the mall has attracted fires, crime and graffiti during the two decades since its final tenants moved out in 2003.

Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy tells WITI he is confident the steps the city has taken will allow it to “take the property” Jan. 25 then put it up for demolition bids.

Murphy says the current mall owner is behind on tax payments and the WITI says Murphy and other sources indicate demolition of the mall could start this summer.

The Northridge Mall, located near the northern edge of Milwaukee, opened in the early 1970s. A Wikipedia page devoted to the mall says it has nearly 1 million square feet of retail space.

While Murphy seems eager to see the mall undergo demolition, he also says there remain outstanding legal issues before any such project can be put up for bid.

Advocates of the demolition project have indicated to WITI that a $15 million American Rescue Plan Act grant can be used to help pay for the mall’s demolition.

Another councilperson tells WITI they are reluctant to spend taxpayer funds to take down the building, especially if a future legal ruling means the city “cleaned up someone’s private property for free.”

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The full Milwaukee City Council will vote on measures pertaining to the future of the vacant mall later this month.