Former Richland Mall Site to Become Park in Forest Acres

BOUDREAUX is excited to be working with LandPlan Group South on this transformative project. The City of Forest Acres recently approved a master plan for a city park to be located on the site of the former Richland Mall.

“We’re approximately a year away from fully understanding what we can achieve within the park’s budget,” said Mayor Andrews. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a gathering place that fosters a true sense of community — something our residents in Forest Acres have expressed they deeply desire. A space for friends, family, and neighbors to come together outdoors. The council is focused on ensuring we deliver a great park as well as the best value for every public dollar spent.”

BOUDREAUX helped lead the visioning workshop and final master plan with LandPlan. We are now providing architectural design services for the park’s amphitheater performance pavilion with restrooms, the farmer’s market pavilion and restroom building, and an additional pavilion building with restroom and storage.

Following the mall’s demolition, the six-acre park is currently planned to include a playground, amphitheater, sculptures, fountain, and event space pavilion as well as a new trail system among the large spread of green space. As residents expressed a need for a place to foster community, the park will be a gathering space and host events for all. This park is part of a plan to redevelop the 32-acre mall site and create a hub for the community with plans for a brewery, grocery store, retail and restaurants, and apartments on the expansive plot in addition to the park.

Demolition of the mall is expected to finish by the end of 2024, while final construction plans and project bids for the park will take place through 2025.