In 1967, Regency Square Mall opened its doors in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood, marking a turning point in the city’s retail landscape. Developed at a cost of $12 million by Regency Centers, the mall transformed a stretch of sand dunes into a bustling commercial hub. Initially anchored by JCPenney, May-Cohens, and Ivey’s, the mall also featured a Woolworth’s and a popular Piccadilly cafeteria. This enclosed shopping complex quickly became one of the most profitable in the United States, drawing visitors with its modern design, array of stores, and vibrant community events.

Expansion and Peak Popularity

The mall’s success continued into the 1980s with a massive $30 million expansion in 1981 that nearly doubled its size. New additions included a Sears store and a relocated Ivey’s, while the original Ivey’s became Furchgott’s. Along with new retail space, a food court and a six-screen AMC theater were added. The mall’s popularity soared, with annual sales far exceeding national averages. At its height, Regency Square Mall wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a cultural and social gathering point for Jacksonville residents.

A New Era and Changing Hands

The 1990s brought both growth and change. Dillard’s took over the Ivey’s space in 1990 and built a new store by 1992, while other major shifts included Maison Blanche becoming Gayfer’s and then transitioning to Belk by the end of the decade. The mall was sold in 1991 for $71.8 million to General Growth Properties and underwent another $30 million renovation in 1998, which introduced a massive 24-screen AMC theater. Despite these investments, newer malls like The Avenues and St. Johns Town Center began to pull shoppers away, and foot traffic began to dwindle.

Decline in the 2000s

The early 2000s marked the beginning of Regency’s long decline. Montgomery Ward closed in 2001, and although HomeWorks Furniture briefly filled the space, it too shuttered by 2009. Crime rates in the surrounding area soared, tarnishing the mall’s reputation. High-profile incidents, including a fatal shooting in 2008, discouraged shoppers and retailers alike. By 2010, the mall’s occupancy rate had dropped drastically, and anchor tenants like Belk and Sears closed their stores by the mid-2010s. JCPenney followed in 2020, leaving Dillard’s Clearance Center as the sole remaining department store.

A New Chapter: The Nexus at Regency

After years of neglect and deteriorating infrastructure, hope arrived in 2025 when Blackwater Development purchased the majority of the mall property for $19.1 million. Plans were announced to replace the outdated structure with The Nexus at Regency, a modern mixed-use development featuring residential, retail, and office space. The redevelopment seeks to breathe new life into the Arlington area while preserving community connections. While Dillard’s and Impact Church will remain intact, the rest of the mall is slated for demolition.

Legacy and Transformation

Regency Square Mall was once the retail crown jewel of Jacksonville. Though time and trends moved on, its cultural imprint remains strong. With its rebirth as The Nexus at Regency, the site may again become a cornerstone of Arlington’s identity—one that reflects both its storied past and its promise for the future.