A Timeless Vision Takes Shape: Forest Acres’ Future Park Comes Into Focus
By Lynnsey Baker
The vision for the Richland Mall redevelopment project, located at the junction of Beltline Boulevard and Forest Drive, has been years in the making.
Now, residents are getting their clearest look yet at what the future could become. With Forest Acres City Council’s approval of updated plans and renderings for the six-acre Mall Park and Amphitheater, the city’s long-term vision for the site is coming into focus. What was once a collection of concepts and ideas has evolved into a cohesive plan for a destination that local leaders hope will serve residents for generations and stand among the Midlands’ most distinctive destinations.
Expected to open in Spring 2028, the park will anchor the broader redevelopment of the former Richland Mall property, while creating a community gathering place unlike anything currently found in Forest Acres. Featuring timeless architecture, an event amphitheater, public gathering spaces, and classic Southern design elements, the project represents one of the most ambitious public investments in the city’s history.
A New Era for the Former
Richland Mall
The city’s investment is only one piece of a much larger transformation underway. Demolition of the former Richland Mall was completed this spring, clearing the way for a more than $100-million, mixed-
use redevelopment led by Southeastern Development. Plans for the 26-acre site include apartments, retail space, premier shopping and dining options, and a Kroger Marketplace with a fuel center. The city’s six-acre park will serve as a central gathering space adjacent to the private development, creating a unique blend of public and private investment within the heart of Forest Acres.
Together, the projects represent one of the most significant redevelopment efforts currently underway in the Midlands.
For city leaders, however, success will be measured by more than new buildings. The goal is to create a place where families gather for concerts on summer evenings, children play on weekends, neighbors meet for community events, and visitors experience Forest Acres at its best. In many ways, officials see the project as creating a new front porch for the community—a place designed not only for special occasions, but for everyday life.
Creating Character
Through Design
For city leaders, the vision extends far beyond building a park. Unlike many historic Southern communities, Forest Acres does not have a traditional downtown filled with century-old buildings and preserved architectural landmarks. Thus, officials see this project as an opportunity to intentionally
replicate the sense of history, character, and place that often develops naturally over generations.
“This is the kind of project that can define a community for generations,” Mayor Thomas Andrews said. “We have the opportunity to create something that feels timeless and authentic to Forest Acres. We want people to walk into this space years from now and feel like it has always been here.” The vision is to develop the kind of public gathering space often found in historic downtowns and legacy communities across the South—warm, inviting, and built with character that only improves with age. Therefore, the design will incorporate weathered brick, iron detailing, bronze accents, layered
landscaping, and classic Southern architectural influences intended to create a civic space that feels established from day one. Mayor Pro Tem Haskell Kibler said the project is about creating a lasting
identity for Forest Acres. “We want this park to feel timeless—like it has always been part of Forest Acres,” Kibler said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of place and character communities are remembered for.” As engineering work has progressed, several refinements have been incorporated into the final design, including updates to building placement, amenities, and the amphitheater design. City leaders say the changes do not alter the overall vision for the project but, instead, help ensure the park functions seamlessly while maintaining its timeless character.
What’s in a Name?
While the physical plans are now largely in place, some of the project’s most visible identities are still taking shape. Southeastern Development continues to evaluate naming options for the commercial portion of the redevelopment, while Forest Acres officials are working to determine a permanent
name for the city’s six-acre park.
The city is also beginning to explore naming opportunities associated with major park amenities, including the amphitheater and playground. Those discussions come as city leaders look for community-minded partners who share the vision for establishing a public space that will serve residents for generations. Although Forest Acres operates with one of the Midlands’ smaller municipal budgets, it is undertaking a project with regional significance. City leaders believe the right partnership could help elevate the experience while creating a lasting legacy connected to one of the city’s most important public investments.
“Projects like this do not happen often in a community our size,” Andrews said. “We know the kind of space we want to create for Forest Acres, and we’re committed to doing it the right way. We hope to partner with individuals, families, foundations, and organizations that see the long-term value of creating something
lasting for this community.”
Any future naming partnership would need to align with the character and vision of the project while helping support amenities, programming, and enhancements that elevate the overall experience.
With bidding expected later this year and construction anticipated to begin shortly thereafter, the former Richland Mall site is steadily moving from vision to reality. When the park opens in Spring 2028, city leaders hope it will stand not only as the centerpiece of the redevelopment, but as one of the
Midlands’ most distinctive destinations for generations to come.
As we look ahead to the exciting future of the mall redevelopment and the opportunities it will bring to
Forest Acres, we also celebrate the accomplishments that continue to make our community proud.
Congratulations to the AC Flora Girls Soccer Team and Boys Baseball Team
on capturing the 2025 South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Class
AAAA State Championships this spring. Their dedication, teamwork, and
pursuit of excellence reflect the very best of our community! Go Falcons!!
