Overview

Security Square Mall is a prominent shopping destination located in Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland, just outside of Baltimore. This bustling mall features over 100 stores and restaurants, alongside a diverse food court. Notably, the Grand Village Plaza, which was previously a JCPenney, once hosted a variety of Korean shops and eateries; however, many of these businesses had closed by 2010. Adjacent to the mall is the North American School of Trades. Major anchor stores include Bayit Furniture, Set the Captives Free Outreach Center, Burlington, and Macy’s, with a former Sears location currently vacant.

Historical Background

Security Square Mall first opened its doors in 1972, originally featuring anchor stores like Sears and Hochschild Kohn’s, which later transitioned to Hutzler’s before closing in 1989 and eventually becoming Montgomery Ward. In 1975, the mall welcomed Baltimore’s first JCPenney, followed by an expansion in 1979 that introduced Hecht’s, additional smaller retailers, and two movie theaters. Developed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, the mall was sold to JMB Urban Realty in 1983. Security Square Mall got its somewehat odd name from Security Boulevard (Maryland Route 122), which runs along the mall’s northern side. The boulevard was named because it connected the Social Security Administration building to nearby highways.

The retail landscape of Security Square has undergone significant changes over the years. Woolworth closed in 1997, paving the way for Burlington Coat Factory. In 2001, Montgomery Ward also shut its doors, making way for Modell’s Sporting Goods three years later. JCPenney ceased operations at Security Square in 2001 due to declining sales. Two years later, the vacant space was repurposed as Seoul Plaza, a “mall within a mall” that featured Korean shops and a Grand Mart supermarket. Unfortunately, the Grand Mart closed in May 2008, followed by the International Mart, and Modell’s also shut down in mid-2008. In 2005, Anna’s Linens made its debut at Security Square, and Hecht’s was rebranded as Macy’s in 2006.

In 2018, Seoul Plaza was renamed Grand Village Plaza. However, the mall faced challenges when Sears announced its closure in October 2019 as part of a nationwide downsizing. As of July 2021, Burlington revealed plans to relocate to Catonsville.

Safety and Renovations

A notable shooting in July 2021 occurred when two police officers were attempting to serve a warrant and the suspect opened fire, injuring both. The suspect was fatally shot during the incident.

In recent years, efforts to revitalize the mall have gained momentum. Capital Investment Associates purchased Security Square Mall and hired Hicks & Rotner Retail, Inc. to manage leasing. As part of their revitalization strategy, the management team brought in eight new retailers, including Hecht’s, and redesigned several areas of the mall, such as the food court and landscaping.

In 1999, security measures were enhanced, including the relocation of security offices to the center court. A major announcement in April 2022 by local and state leaders outlined a $30 million revitalization project, with Baltimore County acquiring 18 acres around the mall. As of May 2024, plans for this initiative were in the design phase, though it remains uncertain whether the mall will undergo renovations or face demolition.

My Impressions

Security Square Mall is a beautiful retro gem: it does not appear to have had many of the major post-2000s updates that make so many indoor malls look alike. Some might characterize the feel of the mall as outdated and worn, but to me, that’s part of the mall’s charm: it’s unpretentious, and still has many features that appear original, from the logo to the neon signs above the stores to the faux brick floors. The central atrium is quite pretty, and the impressively Brutalist Macy’s facade is a sight to behold. The positives don’t end there, though: Security Square Mall has quite a few local businesses, presumably owned by and catering to the area’s Black population, and consequently has a lot more shoppers than some other malls in the area. To me, this is what makes malls special: it’s not just enjoying retro architecture, it’s finding unique businesses offering services you can’t get elsewhere and a sense of community that comes from people gathering to socialize and shop. Security Square Mall has some of the tenant vacancy issues that plague other indoor malls but seems to be adapting in a direction I’d like to see more malls go in. Chain stores are fine and they help pay the rent to keep malls open, but they are curating culture and goods that are externally created rather than based on the needs and wants of the area.  I prefer malls that reflect the unique character and needs of the people who go to them, and shoppers do too. Whatever is in store for Security Square Mall in the future, I hope it thrives and continues to serve the Woodlawn region for many years to come – and keeps the cool seating areas flanked by decorative columns, the great shopping bag logo, and the small businesses that make it worth visiting.