The landscape of retail in Vero Beach is undergoing a monumental shift as demolition crews make way for the future of the Indian River Mall. What was once the premier, one-stop shopping destination for the Treasure Coast is currently being dismantled to clear space for a modernized, mixed-use lifestyle center that promises to breathe new life into the local economy.
Built in 1996 by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, the mall enjoyed a long golden era of prosperity. For nearly two decades, residents flocked to its bustling food court, visited Santa during the holidays, and shopped at premier anchor stores including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears, and Burdines (which later became Macy’s). However, shifting consumer habits, the rise of online shopping, and the crushing economic blow of the global pandemic turned the once-thriving retail mecca into a quiet corridor of empty storefronts.
The Redevelopment Plan
Illinois-based developer DTS Properties is spearheading the revitalization effort. After acquiring the former Macy’s and Sears properties for $4.75 million, the company purchased the remaining mall property in May 2024 for $14.8 million.
In June, crews from Florida-based American Demolition & Environmental Services began tearing down the 104,000-square-foot Macy’s building and the 120,000-square-foot Sears store. The demolition has since expanded to gut another 150,000 square feet, completely transforming the eastern half of the property.
Project manager Joseph Scarfone views this as a necessary evolution for the property:
It’s taken two years to get to this point, but I think people are going to love what we have done. I certainly didn’t invent this idea. Other developers are following the same idea, breathing life back into dying malls across the country.
Rather than maintaining the traditional indoor, kiosk-lined corridors, DTS Properties plans to introduce outward-facing retail spaces. The first phase of this transformation involves erecting a new building featuring five distinct retail units, ranging from 18,000 to 25,000 square feet. Shoppers will be able to navigate between these stores via a shaded, covered walkway, complemented by a heavily landscaped, redesigned parking lot.
The upscale grocery market Sprouts has already secured a lease for one of these prime locations, with the remaining four spaces reportedly spoken for by unnamed tenants. Additionally, Phase 1 includes plans for a free-standing 4,500-square-foot drive-through restaurant on the east side of the new retail storefronts.
What Stays and What Goes
While the east wing is largely reduced to rubble, the west wing of the mall remains active. For locals looking to support remaining businesses during this transitional phase, several key anchors and entertainment venues are fully operational:
- Dillard’s and JCPenney (Both independently owned and unaffected by the DTS demolition)
- AMC Classic Indian River 24 movie theater
- Casa Amigos Mexican Kitchen
Shoppers should note that the main south entrance facing Route 60 is closed for the duration of the project. Access is currently limited to the north-side entrances located near the movie theater and Casa Amigos, as well as direct entries through the remaining anchor stores.
The ongoing construction has understandably impacted the mall’s remaining small businesses. Vendors report that foot traffic has significantly decreased, partly due to the noise, dust, and a widespread public misconception that the entire mall has permanently closed. Management has halted new lease applications until the heavy demolition concludes, focusing instead on the long-term vision. The former food court, which is now completely walled off, is slated to become a new family entertainment venue.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The first phase of the revitalized lifestyle center is expected to open in late 2027 or early 2028. Looking further down the road, DTS Properties is exploring options beyond traditional retail. Utilizing Florida’s Live Local Act, which provides zoning and tax incentives for affordable housing developments in commercial zones, the site could eventually feature residential units. This multi-phase approach aims to create a true live-work-play environment right in the heart of Indian River County, ensuring the property remains a vibrant community hub for decades to come.
