Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin | Macy's Closure

As reports developed yesterday, mall officials received official notice from Macy’s regarding their intention to close the Charleston Town Center location. While the news was disappointing, it was not unexpected. I immediately connected with Workforce West Virginia’s Rapid Response Team to put a plan in place to help those that impacted by this closure. In addition, the City is also partnering with Senator Joe Manchin’s office to host a Job Fair at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on March 22. More details on the Job Fair will be available in the coming weeks.

Developing long-term solutions for the Charleston Town Center Mall is among my top priorities. Whether it is a mix of retail, entertainment, housing or lodging, we must grow this vital commercial and economic driver to create jobs in our city and our region.

I am creating a task force specifically focusing on the Charleston Town Center Mall, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center and other large opportunities for growth throughout the city.

We are optimistic because the Charleston Town Center and surrounding properties sit entirely within a federal Opportunity Zone. With the auction of the mall property scheduled for Thursday, we are hopeful this is a first step for the future of the property and we can work together as a community to put together an action plan to help the entire city move forward.