Radiant Partners announced Tuesday that new demolition at the Santa Rosa Mall will begin within the next 30 days, focusing on the old Dillard’s building and former food court area as part of its ongoing redevelopment project.
- The partial demolition marks a new phase in the transformation of the mall property, which Radiant Partners has been redeveloping since acquiring the Dillard’s department store building in early 2023.
“We are excited to begin the next phase of this transformation,” said Radiant Partners in a statement on Tuesday morning. “The demolition is the first step in bringing our vision of a vibrant, mixed-use development to life.”
The company, working with its management firm NBI Properties, is targeting specific sections of the property that will no longer serve as retail space. The demolition advances Radiant Partners’ master plan to create what it describes as an “interconnected, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development with layered housing options.”
This follows previous redevelopment efforts at the mall. In 2022, Phase 1 of the Renaissance Santa Rosa Apartment complex was completed in the former Belk section.
- The City of Mary Esther’s Local Planning Agency also approved a preliminary development order in May 2022 for Phase 2, a 206-unit apartment complex planned for 8.25 acres on the east side of Phase 1 where the new demolition is slated to take place.
When Radiant Partners announced its acquisition of the Dillard’s property in November 2022, David Schonberger, Managing Partner of Radiant Partners, indicated the company’s long-term approach would include residential, retail, medical, education and entertainment uses.
- The company states the redevelopment aims to enhance the community while serving as a catalyst for further growth and revitalization in the Mary Esther area.
As demolition progresses, Radiant Partners plans to continue its planning and design efforts, which will include sustainable practices and community-focused elements throughout the redevelopment. The company has promised to provide additional updates and details about the project as they become available.
