End of an Era: Exton Square Mall to close after 53 years amid redevelopment dispute

EXTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- The Exton Square Mall is set to close its doors this week after more than half a century, marking the end of an era for a site long remembered as a community gathering place.

The announcement of the closure prompted visits from people who remember when malls were more than just places to shop.

"First of all, it was a hangout," said Mike Reese of Downingtown. "Walking around trying to get into trouble or stay out of trouble."

Exton Square Mall, once bustling with retailers and weekend crowds, has become a nearly-empty space in recent years, save for the occasional shopper or mall walker.

It reflects broader shifts toward online shopping.

"We try to keep supporting it. But everybody loves online shopping," said Donna Reinas of West Grove.

Visitors say the mall holds decades of memories.

"It was pretty active! People were walking around Dairy Queen and Auntie Anne's pretzels," said George Reinas of West Grove.

Now, after 53 years, the mall is preparing to close, leaving behind what some describe as a fading symbol of retail's past.

"(I'm) taking in the place before it turns to rubble," John Howson said as he walked around the mall.

Even as the final stores move out, the future of the 65-acre site remains uncertain amid a legal dispute over redevelopment plans.

Abrams Realty and Development LLC purchased the property 17 months ago for $38.5 million and has proposed transforming the site into a mixed-use town center with housing, shops, and restaurants.

The proposed redevelopment, valued at about $500 million, would reshape the property into a combination of residential and commercial space.

The goal was to begin development within six to nine months of purchasing the land. That timeline, though, has been drawn out due to a legal battle.

The West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors rejected the plan, citing concerns about traffic and infrastructure.

The decision surprised developer Peter Abrams, who says the plan had gotten approval from other township boards, including planning and zoning.

"The planning board voted unanimously to approve our master plan submission, and then we went to the board of commissioners, and not withstanding all of this, they turned it down," Abrams said.

Abrams has filed a lawsuit seeking approval for the project, arguing the area can support the development and the traffic it would generate.

"At this point, is it making you money or costing you money? Oh, it's costing us money," he said of the current property.

Community members remain divided over the proposal.

"The plan they put out looked pretty nice!" said George Reinas.

But others worry about the impact on local infrastructure.

"The amount of homes and structures they're putting up is going to cause the roads and infrastructure not to be able to support them," said Christine Howson of Exton.

As the legal battle continues, the mall is down to about five businesses and is scheduled to close on Tuesday. Some longtime visitors are returning for a final walk through its corridors.

"I used to work at the Radio Shack here," John Howson said. "I said we need to walk around Exton Mall before they tear the thing down!"

Three businesses - Boscov's, Main Line Health Center, and the Round One amusement center - are expected to remain open.

If approved, developers estimate construction on the proposed town center would take three to four years. A judge is expected to rule on the project soon.

For now, those who grew up with Exton Square Mall are reflecting on what it once was.

Action News reached out to all three members of the West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors for comment. None of them responded as of press time.