From Estate to Community Hub: The Evolution of West Baltimore's Mondawmin Mall

Mondawmin Mall, a three-level shopping center in West Baltimore, Maryland, has a rich and complex history that reflects both the urban development of the area and the social changes within the community. Initially opened as Mondawmin Center in 1956, the mall has undergone significant transformations over the decades, shaped by both its physical infrastructure and the surrounding community dynamics.

Origins: Mondawmin Manor

The site where Mondawmin Mall stands was once part of a 73-acre estate called Mondawmin Manor, built in 1841 by Patrick Macaulay, a prominent Baltimore figure. While commonly believed that the name was inspired by a Native American god from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poetry, it actually derives from an Ojibwe word for corn. Following Macaulay’s death, the property changed hands several times before being acquired in 1949 for development. The estate was destroyed to build the mall in 1955.

Development of the Shopping Center

In the 1950s, James Rouse proposed transforming 46 acres of the estate into an urban retail hub. The open-air Mondawmin Center opened in 1956, featuring 58 store spaces, including a three-level Sears and various supermarkets. Initially, the mall catered to a diverse shopper base, but by the late 1960s, it faced challenges as the surrounding neighborhood experienced significant demographic shifts due to urban riots and subsequent white flight.

Challenges and Decline

The 1968 Baltimore riots significantly impacted the mall’s success just over a decade after it opened. As middle-class families left the area, the mall’s revenues declined, leading to increased vacancy rates and the closure of major retailers like Sears. An office of the department for social services in the mall was at the center of a hostage situation in 1977, further exacerbating Mondawmin Mall’s struggles to create a sense of safety for shoppers.

Revival Efforts and Renovations

In the early 1980s, the Rouse Company reacquired the mall and initiated a large-scale renovation, which revitalized the shopping center and aimed to restore its position as a “community hub”. The reopening was met with optimism, and local media expressed hope that the mall’s resurgence could reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhood.

In 2004, Mondawmin Mall became part of General Growth Properties, which faced financial challenges but initiated a $68 million renovation between 2007 and 2008. This redevelopment included replacing the parking garage with a Target store and adding new retail anchors to better meet the needs of the local community.

Recent Developments and Community Focus

Despite facing challenges like the impact of the 2015 Baltimore riots, where police intervention led to negative community perceptions, the mall has sought to improve its community relations. In 2017, the closing of the Target store marked a significant change, prompting new development initiatives.

A transformative project called The Village at Mondawmin is currently underway, which aims to establish a community health center and job opportunities. The University of Maryland School of Medicine has committed to creating a “health village” that will provide essential medical services, reinforcing the mall’s role as a vital community resource.

My Impressions

Mondawmin Mall has an interesting layout, with an open space between two levels that culminates in a large, open room with a snazzy spiral staircase atop a fountain that appears to be one of the mall’s original features. Though there are some vacancies, quite a few unique stores and kiosks are available – many of which appear to be local businesses. Dining options are rather sparse, but plenty of shoppers were there on the day I visited. Early evening is a great time to go, as the fountain is backlit beautifully by the sun.