David A
Senior Member
Bonnie Doon seems to be doing much better recently than Westmount, which is also an older mall from a similar era. Perhaps having the new LRT line and also no other larger malls nearby helps.
Bonnie Doon Mall Redevelopment | ?m | ?s
- Thread starter Daveography
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CplKlinger
Senior Member
This is just speculation, but I think the LRT line is the biggest factor. I worked at a store there from around 2018-2022, and it was already a dying mall pre-pandemic. Stores were closing left and right, you hardly saw anyone under 65 there (not a crack against seniors, but it's a sign that they weren't appealing to a broader segment of the population), the mall was hiking fees for stores to compensate, etc. Given the ongoing economic pressures we have right now, I really can't think of what would have changed other than the LRT.
Platinum107
Senior Member
Oh 100%. If this article proves anything, it's that Westmount Mall is really dying now and I don't see how it will recover as a nearby resident. There apparently are future "renovations" in the works, but imo, First Capital should sell the site and the whole thing should be redeveloped into a mixed-use district. would be killer with the transit centre and all the amenities nearby.
David A
Senior Member
Probably, but there may have been some turn over in the community too, with younger people and immigrants moving in.
Perhaps the mall owners have also realized the days of having a bunch of chains like the Gap and Old Navy in every mall have ended and have adjusted accordingly.
When I went there some months ago, there seemed to be a number more unique local businesses, some targeted towards specific ethnic communities. Also the local economy has improved since 2020-21 and probably 2018 as well.
fromyeg
Active Member
I hope this is something more exciting than just repaving the parking lot.
Edmcowboy11
Senior Member
I hope so, but I think it just may be new pavement.
husky
Active Member
The one machine is like a foamed asphalt grinder thing so it is probably just new base/pavement.
Airboy
Senior Member
Seems to be a lot of Parking lots being rebuilt this year. Noticed just in One area. IKEA and the 104st (Calgary Trail) Home Depot.
Droxen
New Member
They are adding trees in groups of three along the whole line. I counted and it looks like 72 trees will be added in total. They have also started planting smaller plants along side the trees.
EdmTrekker
Senior Member
Going to crowded in 5 years requiring removal.
Platinum107
Senior Member
I'm no arborist so maybe I'm speaking out my rear end, but having a limited understanding of landscape planning, I have noticed trees being planted very close together in a few public and private spaces around the city. When they're small it's okay, sure, but they'll definitely compete as they grow. Is there a reason for doing this or is this just poor planning?
Droxen
New Member
Also not an arborist but I have heard that trees growing up in competition with each other can aid in them developing much better than if not.
Seamusmuldrew
Active Member
I think it’s also so that if some die it won’t have as big an effect than if there were fewer trees. That’s purely a guess though
Gronk!
Senior Member
Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre focuses on community as it reinvents itself
The Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre appears to have escaped the closures and empty storefronts that plague many urban malls by focusing on specialty stores and building a community, through vendors like the Night of Artists Gallery and its yearly art walk and gala.
edmonton.taproot.news
Barnaby
Senior Member
I took the train yesterday to check out MWTC and Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre. My first impression coming from the LRT stop was that the mall is welcoming LRT shoppers. The pathway is very nice, and you cross a raised crosswalk during your only potential conflict with vehicles. Super well done 5/5.
When inside, I was struck by how busy the mall was. The unique, locally owned storefronts are great to see. My favourite was the RC racetrack that invites viewers from outside to stop by with a coffee and watch.
I think this is a case of retail near residential and transit, but also an owner which hasn't set rents delusionally high. The opportunity to build apartments on the north and west sides of the mall is there. They'd lease them quickly if built today.
When inside, I was struck by how busy the mall was. The unique, locally owned storefronts are great to see. My favourite was the RC racetrack that invites viewers from outside to stop by with a coffee and watch.
I think this is a case of retail near residential and transit, but also an owner which hasn't set rents delusionally high. The opportunity to build apartments on the north and west sides of the mall is there. They'd lease them quickly if built today.