Jacksonville’s 31-year old riverside mall is being torn down.  Here are some facts to catch you up:

On March 26, Jacksonville city and the owners of The Landing (who purchased it in 2003) ended their legal battle by making a settlement in which the city would pay 15 million dollars to end Sleiman Enterprises’ long-term lease, which would’ve ended in 2056, in order to get the land that the mall stands on. 

With store businesses declining and a mass shooting on August 26 of last year, The Landing has become a ghost town. On April 23, Mayor Lenny Curry announced that they are planning to demolish The Landing. The city may be restoring the area with a riverside park.

Our fellow Jacksonville-native Ospreys have something to say about it.

There are mixed feelings about planned demolishing, but most are in favor of it. Sophomore Breanna Cataldo says, “I don’t even care what they put there, as long as The Landing is gone.”

Morgan Holbrook recalls going to the landing for a Filipino pride day, but “it’s not a loss to me,” he says. 

On the other hand, Chanprielle Webb believes The Landing should be saved. She says, “It’s a very historical place that should be left standing. It should be reused for events and to open new shops.” 

Another student, Lydia West, says, “I have wonderful memories that I like to cherish, such as going to 102.9 concerts, Hooters, and Mavericks, but I’m gonna be open minded about whatever they do with it.” 

Many memories, good and bad, have been built into the walls of The Landing. Share your feelings about The Landing’s demolishing by leaving a comment below.

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