Jason Gomke reminisces about the past glory of Brunswick Square, where McDonald’s and Starbucks were once bustling hubs for high school students and office workers. However, the decline of the mall began with Starbucks closing in 2016, followed by McDonald’s shutting down in 2020, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic.
Having frequented the mall since his high school days in the 1980s and later working in the Uptown area for two decades, Gomke is optimistic about the mall’s revival. In a bold move, he has opened a takeout eatery in the food court targeting high school students and a souvenir and ice cream shop on the second floor.
The city-centre mall’s struggles reflect a broader trend seen across North American urban centers. The complex, which includes Brunswick Square and an adjoining office tower, faces significant vacancy challenges, particularly on the first and second floors.
Although the property was listed for sale last year, it is currently off the market. Ravelin Properties’ CEO, Shant Poladian, emphasizes the company’s dedication to revitalizing the mall. Early signs of progress include new businesses like Gomke’s ventures and a thriving tattoo shop on the second floor.
Recognizing the community’s discontent with the mall’s current state, Poladian seeks input and collaboration from locals to breathe new life into the once vibrant hub. The key to rejuvenating city-centre malls lies in increasing population density and fostering a sense of community engagement.
While revitalization efforts are underway, challenges persist in attracting national retailers due to perceived insufficient local resident support. The potential conversion of vacant office spaces into residential units is being considered as a possible solution to address the mall’s vacancy issues.
Urban planning experts, like Pierre Filion from the University of Waterloo, stress the importance of attracting more residents and businesses to city centers to create vibrant, thriving downtown areas. Despite the obstacles, the uptick in the Central Peninsula’s population offers hope for the mall’s resurgence, with ongoing construction projects and discussions about meeting community needs like introducing a grocery store to the area.
