Eastland Mall (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Eastland Mall was a shopping mall located in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the intersection of Central Avenue and Sharon Amity Road. Opened in 1975, it was one of the first enclosed shopping malls in the Charlotte metropolitan area and quickly became a major retail and social hub for the city's east side.

At its peak, Eastland Mall featured five anchor stores: Belk, Sears, JCPenney, Ivey's (later Dillard's), and Miller & Rhoads (later Hess's, then Belk Men's Store). The mall also housed a variety of smaller retailers, restaurants, and a multi-screen movie theater. It was known for its large ice-skating rink, which operated year-round and served as a popular destination for families and teenagers.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Eastland Mall experienced a decline in popularity and occupancy due to factors such as increased competition from newer malls and shopping centers in the suburbs, changing demographics, and economic downturns. Anchor stores began to close or relocate, and many smaller retailers followed suit.

In 2010, the mall was closed and subsequently demolished. The City of Charlotte acquired the property and began redevelopment efforts. Plans for the site have included mixed-use development, featuring residential units, retail space, and recreational facilities. A key element of the redevelopment plan focuses on the creation of a public park and green space, as well as community resources. The site is also planned to host a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus transit center.

The redevelopment of the Eastland Mall site represents a significant effort to revitalize the area and create a new community asset.