Franklin Mall in Northeast Philadelphia closes due to a small fire incident.
Franklin Mall, formerly known as Franklin Mills, is temporarily closed following a small fire incident that occurred over the weekend. The closure is mandated by city officials as inspections are conducted to assess the safety and structural integrity of the property, according to statements from the management. This well-known retail site, located in Northeast Philadelphia, is currently listed for sale.
The fire, which took place on February 21 in a single tenant space, fortunately resulted in no reported injuries. In response, Franklin Mall’s management announced on social media platforms that they are diligently working with licensed professionals to evaluate the affected area. They have stated that ensuring all life-safety systems are operational is a critical priority during this time.
The City Department of Licenses and Inspections has issued a temporary closure notice while these essential inspections are underway. The management has committed to cooperating closely with city officials to expedite the review process and secure necessary approvals for a safe reopening. Their official statement emphasizes that the well-being of tenants, employees, and visitors remains paramount.
As the inspection process continues, some retailers within the mall, including Walmart, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Dave & Buster’s, are still operational. This continuity aims to provide limited shopping options for patrons in the vicinity amidst the ongoing closure of the mall.
Previously reported in December, Franklin Mall spans approximately 1.8 million square feet and has been a retail landmark since its grand opening in 1989. Originally hailed as the largest outlet mall in the country, it featured a distinctive zigzag-shaped concourse that extended for 1.2 miles. At its peak, Franklin Mills attracted nearly 20 million visitors annually, a stark contrast to the less than one-third of that number currently.
Under new ownership, the mall has undergone a name change to Philadelphia Mills and is now commonly referred to as Franklin Mall, although the main entrance still bears the former name. The site’s current status remains uncertain as it is actively marketed for potential repurposing or demolition for non-retail uses.
The future of Franklin Mall remains a topic of interest as it grapples with the challenges faced by many large retail spaces in the evolving commercial landscape. As the inspections conclude, the management team is focused on ensuring safety while working towards a timely reopening.
