After nearly five decades as a retail landmark in West St. Louis County, the Chesterfield Mall officially closed its doors on August 31, 2024. In its place, a bold new vision is underway: Downtown Chesterfield, a mixed-use development designed to bring renewed energy, density, and walkability to the heart of Chesterfield.

Demolition began in October 2024 and is expected to wrap by mid-April 2025. The site’s redevelopment—led by The Staenberg Group—is one of the most watched projects in the region, signaling a shift from traditional suburban mall formats to modern, mixed-use urban nodes.

The future of the site includes more than just retail. Plans call for new apartment living, integrated green space, and a curated mix of retail and commercial amenities. According to West News magazine, infrastructure work is expected to be completed by fall 2026, with residential units anticipated by late 2028.

In a nod to its legacy, the Macy’s and Dillard’s buildings will remain and be integrated into the new design. These structures once served as anchor stores, alongside the now-demolished Sears, and will help bridge the old with the new as Chesterfield repositions itself as a live-work-play destination.

For St. Louis CRE professionals, the project represents a case study in repositioning aging retail assets through adaptive reuse and strategic planning. With strong demographics, proximity to major roadways, and increasing demand for suburban lifestyle centers, Downtown Chesterfield may serve as a model for other regional malls navigating the post-pandemic retail era.

As dirt continues to move, all eyes are on the west to see how this next chapter in Chesterfield’s evolution unfolds.