Forest Acres reviews updated plans for Mall Park and Amphitheater project
June 2, 2026
Forest Acres City Council met in a special called session to review updated conceptual renderings for the planned six-acre Mall Park and Amphitheater project at the former Richland Mall site.
The meeting included a presentation from project landscape architects Land Plan Group South and focused on site engineering updates, architectural refinements and the project’s long-term development plans.
Council reviewed the overall design concept for the park, which aims to create a public gathering space that reflects traditional architectural elements and serves as a community destination. City officials said the project is intended to establish a recognizable civic space for residents and visitors.
Design plans include the use of brick, iron detailing, bronze accents and other materials intended to create a cohesive architectural character throughout the park. The project also incorporates features commonly found in public gathering spaces, including open green areas, pedestrian-friendly amenities and an amphitheater for events and performances.
Council also reviewed several adjustments resulting from ongoing engineering work and floodplain analysis conducted after the property was cleared. City officials said the refinements are based on a better understanding of the site’s drainage patterns, floodway requirements and overall layout.
Among the changes, one planned structure was reoriented to accommodate floodway requirements, and two previously planned buildings were combined into a single structure that will include restrooms and additional park amenities.
The meeting also included a review of an updated amphitheater design. The roof structure has been revised from an oval-shaped concept to a more traditional amphitheater design. Officials said the change is intended to better align with the overall architectural character of the park while meeting the needs of outdoor events and performances.
City leaders said the revisions are relatively minor and do not alter the overall scope or vision of the project.
The park is being developed alongside the larger redevelopment of the former 26-acre Richland Mall property. Demolition of the mall site was completed this month.
The adjacent mixed-use redevelopment is being led by Southeastern Development Associates and is expected to include retail space, restaurants, apartments and a Kroger Marketplace with a fuel center. City officials have previously estimated the private redevelopment investment at more than $100 million.
According to the current project schedule, the city expects to put the park project out for bid this fall. Officials hope to receive bids in October and begin construction shortly afterward. Construction is expected to take between 12 and 18 months.
Formal names for both the redevelopment and the park have not yet been selected.
In addition to advancing construction plans, city officials said they will begin exploring philanthropic partnerships and naming opportunities related to the park and amphitheater. Those efforts are expected to help support the project’s development while creating opportunities for community and private-sector involvement.
The park and amphitheater are expected to serve as public amenities within the larger redevelopment project and provide space for community events, recreation and outdoor programming.
City leaders said planning efforts will continue as the project moves toward the bidding and construction phases later this year.
