Exploring the Nostalgic Legacy of South Hills Mall in Cary, North Carolina

It’s hard to figure out when South Hills Mall opened, as there aren’t really reliable sources and some of the information is conflicting. Searching online, dates that it is said to have opened range from the 1950s to the 1970s, but regional newspapers first mention tenants arriving in 1972. Just take that with a grain of salt! Regardless of when it opened, it holds a special place in the history of Cary, North Carolina. It was the town’s first shopping center and played a key role in Cary’s early development. The property, initially acquired by the town, was developed by David J. Martin, a longtime Cary resident. Despite challenges such as land acquisition setbacks for the nearby U.S. 1-64 bypass, Martin transformed the site into a thriving retail destination.

When it opened, South Hills was home to Cary’s first chain restaurant, bowling alley, and automobile dealership, marking a significant shift in the area’s commercial landscape. Though the mall would later face competition from newer shopping centers like Cary Towne Center, South Hills maintained its charm through decades of change.

Transformation of the South Hills Mall Site
In recent years, South Hills Mall has become a focal point for redevelopment. In 2021, Loden Properties and Northpond Partners, two developers based in Chicago, acquired the property for $38.4 million with plans to reshape it into a mixed-use, urban-style space. The Cary Town Council approved the rezoning of the 44-acre site in October 2023, paving the way for one of the largest redevelopment projects in the region.

The proposed redesign will include residential, commercial, office, and recreational spaces. The project aims to create a bustling district with walkable areas, offices, restaurants, and entertainment options. A key feature of the development is the creation of a sports and community recreation center. This new facility, the South Hills Sports and Community Recreation Center, will span 170,000 square feet and will be equipped with basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, and more. It will anchor the entire redevelopment project, with support from a $75 million grant from Wake County.

New Vision and Future Development
Loden Properties envisions transforming South Hills into a hub for both residents and visitors. The developers aim to create a small-block, walkable environment, with structured parking decks to accommodate up to 75% of the site’s parking needs. The new zoning regulations also require a minimum of 60,000 square feet for community gathering spaces, enhancing the site’s appeal as a community-centric development.

Construction is set to begin in 2026, with the southern portion of the property—comprising 22 acres—being developed first. The overall 10-year project is expected to bring over 4.5 million square feet of new space, including retail, office, and residential units. A significant portion of the residential space will include affordable housing for renters at or below 80% of the area median income.

South Hills Mall’s Legacy and Nostalgia
Though South Hills is undergoing a major transformation, the mall’s legacy still holds sentimental value for many locals. Over the years, the mall hosted unique events like the annual Christmas display with live reindeer, Pinewood Derby races, and a famous miniature train set. These events have created lasting memories for generations of Cary residents.

Local businesses like Grand Asia, Tuesday Morning, and Baker’s Dozen continue to be staples in the area, providing a glimpse into the mall’s nostalgic past. Despite the modern updates, the core of South Hills remains a beloved piece of Cary’s history.

My Visit to South Hills Mall
On entering the South Hills Mall, one is immediately struck by two things: first of all, it’s tiny! One could easily walk in the front door, stroll around the perimeter, and walk back out in about two minutes. Second, let’s be honest, it’s not blessed with the same aesthetic beauty as some other malls. The lack of skylights means it’s a bit dark, and the repetitive brick facades on the exterior anchors could best be described as “perfunctory”.

Don’t let that put you off from a visit, though, as there’s a lot more to this tiny mall than that. The interior is an absolutely charming example of untouched 1970s retro mall decor. The interior streetlamps, brick storefronts, and odd rounded second-floor shop windows (beneath a drop tiled ceiling) are wild design choices that make a place immediately distinct. The train set in the center of the mall also sports that DIY, local business-based decor that gave malls their individuality. I loved it. I was saddened to see that Tom’s Train Station had closed, as community staples like this are what make malls special – but there’s still a trophy store, a photography studio, a gift shop, a beauty bar, and a repair store in addition to the DMV office. The Grand Asia Market is also not to be missed – there’s both a sit down restaurant portion of the store and a fascinating array of foods that you’ll enjoy trying out.

On one hand, it’s understandable that the area would be redeveloped. Places like this don’t thrive on appreciation alone, and an economic bump to the property would no doubt be welcome. On the other, South Hills Mall is a neat part of the area’s history that gives you that fleeting sense that you’ve stepped back in time and are privileged to witness a place that really mattered to people in the community. The vacant lot where the demolished Cary Towne Center once stood seems like it would be a better fit, but what do I know? If you plan on visiting this one, I’d recommend doing it soon and double checking to make sure it’s still there. If you’re a retro mall enthusiast, it’s definitely worth stopping by and grabbing lunch there while you can.