Exploring the Transformation of The Gallery to Fashion District Philadelphia

A Fresh Start in Center City

Fashion District Philadelphia is a shopping center in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia. Opened on September 19, 2019, this mall took over the space once known as The Gallery, which had been a local fixture since 1977. With its new name and updated vibe, it’s become a bustling hub along Market Street, bringing a mix of shopping, entertainment, and dining to the area.

A Walk Through History

Before it became the Fashion District, this spot was known as The Gallery. It first opened its doors in 1977, with an expansion following in the early ’80s to include The Gallery II. The Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) took over in 2003 and later acquired Gallery II in 2004. At its peak, the mall boasted over 130 stores spread across a whopping 1.1 million square feet of retail space.

Originally, The Gallery was anchored by iconic department stores like Strawbridge & Clothier and Gimbels. It was also a key access point to SEPTA’s Regional Rail Lines and the underground Concourse, connecting to various transit lines.

Transformations and New Beginnings

Fast forward to 2008, and the mall was buzzing with news about a proposed Foxwoods Casino. Although this plan faced some local opposition, the casino eventually found a new home in the former Strawbridge’s building. Then, in 2014, with Kmart closing its doors, there were big plans to turn that space into street-facing stores with an updated top level of the mall.

After a $325 million makeover was approved in 2015, demolition began in August of that year, with hopes of reopening in 2017. However, the mall’s rebirth took a little longer than expected. By August 2017, the developers shifted gears from an outlet mall concept to a mixed-use space featuring retail, entertainment, and dining options.

What’s Happening Now

The grand reopening as Fashion District Philadelphia was celebrated on September 19, 2019. Since then, it’s become home to popular anchors like Burlington, Primark, AMC Theatres, and Round One Entertainment. Notably, the AMC Dine-In Theatre made its debut on November 4, 2019, marking a big moment as it was the first multi-screen cinema in Center City since 2002. A Round One Entertainment center also opened in December 2019, adding bowling and more fun to the mix.

Primark joined the lineup with a huge 34,200-square-foot store that opened on September 16, 2021. Unfortunately, Century 21, which was also part of the mall, closed in 2020 due to bankruptcy.

Changes and New Directions

In early 2021, after PREIT’s bankruptcy, Macerich took over the management of Fashion District Philadelphia and made a substantial investment. A Giant Heirloom Market opened on December 16, 2021, bringing fresh grocery options to the mall. The Philadelphia 76ers are planning a new arena, 76 Place at Market East, right on the site, with a projected cost of $1.3 billion – although this also poses a risk to historic buildings in this region of the city, and some fear that Philadelphia’s haphazard and careless approach to preservation will end up with more of its legacy structures destroyed.

Recently, on December 11, 2023, PREIT filed for bankruptcy once again, selling its share of the mall to Macerich, who now holds full ownership.

Though it’s a unique and contemporary building, I do confess I miss the old Gallery Mall. The sleek new contemporary aesthetic is well conceptualized, but the Gallery had a fantastic retro charm and some really amazing views of multiple floors of the interior. Things are always changing and unfortunately the places you know and love seem destined to be erased and reimagined as the years go by, but my memories of the old mall were happy and I wish I could go back one more time.