Most of us have reinvented ourselves over the years, generally because of circumstances. I’ve done a presentation for a Women’s Club group about my own reinvention. But today, I want us to look at the possible reinvention of Ridgmar Mall.
Fountain and Garden area
Several weeks ago, I wrote an article about this the first Mall in Fort Worth and how it had fallen on hard times. Bob has walked with me there before, and we talked about what could happen to keep this beautiful building viable. Our idea is for someone with a lots of money to take it over and turn it into a mixed use community.
Much of the empty spaces could be turned into one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Retail stores could remain, like Penny’s and Dillard’s. Besides the food court you’d need a couple of restaurants.
Food Court
Why, you could even have a library, drug store, and cleaners. There’s already a really good play area for kids. Lots of skylights allow in plenty of light so you could grow plants and have a garden.
Neiman Marcus used to be on this end of the Mall. It moved to Clear Fork, the latest and greatest retail and restaurant area in Fort Worth.
A large grocery store is right across the street but having a small market would be helpful.
The other thing needed is medical support. Already there is an optometrist and eye store. Adding a clinic with doctors and nurses would be a logical step.
I’m envisioning a place where people really could walk to everything they need. Or easily use wheelchairs if needed.
A former restaurant.
Maybe all the retail and restaurants could go on the bottom floor, and the living is on the second floor. And you’d need security. What I’m seeing is a small town.
I think I mentioned earlier, the only thing needed to make this happen is lots of money. LOL
But I can see this happening, and you know what else I can see? This becomes the setting for a series. Think of all the characters. You’ve got the management for the complex. You’ve got the workers in the stores and restaurants, and the folks who live in this facility. I don’t think it needs to be a retirement community. Though it could be. I don’t think it needs to be for low income folks, but it could be.
Yes, I can see this happening at least in my imagination. 😊
What can I say? It’s a new year and lots of bad stuff has been going on all over with the fires in Australia, the impeachment of the President, and the implosion of an organization I’ve valued. So, my mind escaped.
Do you know of anyplace like this? Love to hear from you.
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Marsha R. West, Author 
I love how your mind escaped, Marsha. We have the opposite problem here, where out-of-town malls are thriving, and the old town centres are dying. Some of them have beautiful architecture. I like to think how they could be transformed, too – if only we had the money 🙂 I hope you can bring your series to life. Great idea.
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Hey, Helena. Our downtown revived more than 20 years ago with infusion of cash and ideas from a wealthy family. Now it’s thriving, safe, and fun. I hope y’all can find someone with the vision and the $ to help make that happen for you. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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A great idea. Most likely, torn down and a new and taller building would replace the old.
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Vicki, I just want someone to use the current facility. We have some rules because the Air Base is near that we probably couldn’t tear down and build up, but it’s just so pretty the way it is. Thanks for stopping by.
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The old Montgomery Ward building in Fort Worth revamped itself. I love your thinking here, Marsha. From your lips to God’s ears.
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Hey, Jen. You’re right and that’s a wonderful place. Fingers crossed. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
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Wonderful ideas for “a city” and a book! I would be interested in reading a book about “a city” in your mall.
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Hey, Susan. Of course, I’ve promised myself to not write another series, but at least one book should be possible. After the one I’m working on now, of course. LOL Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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I love, love, love your thoughts! Our WF mall is struggling, too. It would be good if it could be re-purposed in the future. But it wouldn’t be large enough to contain your small town. That said, there are surely things it could be adapted for, if it does fail (which I’m hoping it doesn’t!)
Linda S. Carr
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Hey, Linda, the last time I was in it, there’s not near as many empty spaces as Ridgmar Mall here in FW. I think you could do the same thing in Wichita Falls. It would just be a smaller town. 🙂 But I hope it makes it. Thanks for stopping by.
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I love the ideas you’ve brought up! Not to be a Debbie Downer, but does being in the fly-space of the JRB have something to do with what can go there? Density, etc.? I would just love for the mall to be a vibrant multi-use area that would enhance the entire area! ❤️🤗❤️ I could see a great book being written in the setting.
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