Closing of Subway Fuels Speculation about Future of North Town Mall

It's one of the oldest major shopping centers in southwest Missouri.  But the building is now virtually empty and its future is murky.

The North Town Mall in Springfield has seen its share of businesses and shoppers over the years.  First open in November, 1977 at the corner of Glenstone and Kearney, the mall was once full of thriving businesses.

Three decades later, only Wal-Mart remains open on the north side of the mall property.  The Wal-Mart store was the first to open in 1977, and after changing hands several times, the Wal-Mart Corporation now owns the mall property.

 A Subway sandwich shop is the only other retailer, on the far side of the complex. It plans to close it's doors next week. 

Many people who live near the mall wonder what the future of the building will be.  Earl Ramsey lives near by and is puzzled by the lack of use of the building.  "I've only been here for four years.  So it's always been empty.  Where I'm from there's a lot of malls.  So I mean, it's weird that they keep it up.  I mean they can put something in it or tear it down.  Do something with it."

At one point, the North Town Malls home to a branch of Ozarks Technical Community College.  It held classes in the mall space while the main Springfield campus was being built out. 

Initially, the North Town Mall also house a multi-screen movie theater, a number of national franchise stores such as Waldenbooks and Hallmark, and a cafeteria.

Employees of the Subway shop say once the store closes Saturday, they will be transferred to other Subway stores around Springfield.

The speculation, however, remains about the future of the mall property.  Many believe Wal-Mart will eventually demolish all or part of the building and construction another Supercenter.