Bold claim: Chapel Hills Mall isn’t a dead mall—it's being reshaped for a new kind of vitality. And this is where the real story begins. Here’s a fresh, reader-friendly rewrite that preserves every key point, adds clarity for beginners, and keeps the narrative engaging and balanced.
Colorado Springs has long depended on Chapel Hills Mall as a local landmark. Across the nation, the fate of malls has been uncertain since the rise of online shopping and the disruptions of the COVID-19 era, and Chapel Hills has not been immune to that trend.
“After COVID, I lost about nine of our tenants,” said Ed Beane, the mall’s general manager and head of security. Beane has steered the mall’s course through recent ups and downs, determined to keep it moving forward.
“I said, ‘on my watch, this mall is going to come back,’” Beane stated, and that commitment remains at the heart of the mall’s strategy. In recent years, he has taken a hard look at what was working, what was fading, and what new opportunities could revive the space.
Beane acknowledged that traditional retail might not be the main engine anymore. He anticipated that many conventional stores would struggle to fill vacancies, signaling a need to rethink the mall’s purpose.
The loss of anchors like Sears, Burlington, and JCPenney drew attention, but Beane sees at least one major gap as a turning point: when Sears left, the opportunity arose to bring in an apartment complex—an approach he believed would attract a steady flow of people and new businesses into the center.
That pivot began a shift. Beane chose to chart the course himself, rather than rely on lessons from other shopping centers. As he moved forward, other centers started asking for his ideas on staying viable.
For Chapel Hills Mall, the key became prioritizing experiences over traditional retail space. Beane focused on attracting entertainment-oriented venues, transforming the mall into more than just a place to shop.
The payoff is now visible: several new businesses are enthusiastic about the mall’s future as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
Looking ahead to spring, Beane has ambitious plans, with Jungle Reef, a new aquarium concept, slated to open soon at the mall. Co-owner Jon Hepworth explained why they chose Chapel Hills: malls are reinventing themselves, and they want to be part of that renewal by drawing foot traffic back to the center.
Meanwhile, Cronk Art and Curiosities, a longtime downtown staple, is relocating to the mall after nearly five years in the area. Owner Andrew Cronk cited better financial stability and the chance to tap into a larger customer base as major reasons for the move. He expects the mall’s foot traffic and relatively affordable rents to help his business grow, even as he values the opportunity to build a new northern community around his brand.
Beane welcomed Cronk and encouraged other tenants who are struggling or seeking a chance to establish themselves to consider Chapel Hills. He believes a single-roof environment helps drive consistent foot traffic and, importantly, creates a sense of safety for visitors and retailers alike.
Safety remains a central priority for Beane. He emphasizes that a secure environment is essential for both customers and the businesses that rely on them.
As for the mall’s destiny, Beane aims to debunk the notion that Chapel Hills is a dying property. He is focused on achieving 100% occupancy by August this year, a milestone that he believes will set the stage for ongoing vitality.
Beyond occupancy, the plan includes enhancements to the customer experience and infrastructure: an adventure park planned above Jungle Reef and the addition of a sit-down Korean restaurant, alongside improvements to the exterior parking area to reflect the mall’s forward-looking identity.
Cronk echoed the sense of momentum, noting that people are moving in and that the mall is becoming a community hub where big-name brands and small local shops can coexist and thrive.
Notes from shoppers and vendors reflect a divided mood: some still see the mall as dead, while others—like Beane and newer tenants—see real potential and a shift in perception as the center evolves.
Jahn Dianres, a vendor at The Hause Thrift and Lounge, acknowledges the nostalgia of the old downtown scene but also observes a positive turn: ownership seems committed to creating a fresh, inviting environment.
A shopper who recently relocated to Colorado Springs, Breaunna King, doesn’t view the mall as dead. She contrasts Chapel Hills with her hometown’s rundown mall and appreciates the convenience and safety of the new plans. She looks forward to taking her children there more often, driven by the sense that there will be more activities and food options.
In summary, Chapel Hills Mall is pursuing a multifaceted revival that blends new attractions, safer spaces, and accessible rents to win back foot traffic. Beane’s ambitious occupancy target and the signings of Jungle Reef and new dining concepts signal a deliberate push toward a more experiential, family-friendly destination.
If you’re following the story, you’ll want to watch how these changes unfold and whether more tenants—especially service-oriented and entertainment-oriented brands—join the lineup. Do you think a mall should pivot toward experiences like entertainment and dining, or should it focus primarily on retail sustainability? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
