The long-anticipated partial demolition of Clearview Mall in Metairie, Louisiana, is moving closer to reality as a key restaurant tenant begins the relocation process. Zea Rotisserie & Bar, a longtime fixture at the mall, has started construction on a new standalone location in the parking lot, clearing the way for redevelopment efforts to gain momentum.

The mall, officially known as Clearview Shopping Center, opened in 1969 on a 32-acre site just outside New Orleans. Once a prime retail destination with 700,000 square feet of enclosed space, the center is now poised for a dramatic transformation. Owners of the property have committed to a $100 million redevelopment that includes tearing down part of the existing mall to make room for a 270-unit apartment complex, a hotel, a medical clinic, additional retail and dining spaces, and even areas designated for public festivals and events.

According to WDSU-TV, the relocation of Zea Rotisserie & Bar is scheduled for completion by February 2026. The station reports that the move will “enable the demolition of the former mall building and accelerate a multi-year construction schedule.”

An additional report indicates that the demolition phase will not only affect the interior portions of the mall, but will also involve razing the adjacent former Bed Bath & Beyond building.

The project marks a significant chapter in the nationwide shift away from traditional mall retail formats. As consumer habits evolve, many malls across the U.S. have shuttered entirely or undergone conversions into mixed-use developments, logistics hubs, or entertainment centers. The Clearview Mall redevelopment is part of this broader trend, aiming to revive the property as a modern, community-focused destination.

While the demolition hasn’t begun yet, the start of tenant relocations signals that the long-envisioned overhaul is finally becoming tangible. According to local reports, the project is expected to take place in multiple phases over several years.

In a 2022 report, Nola.com noted that Clearview’s owners had been pursuing a long-term strategy to modernize the property. Now, with groundwork underway and construction progressing, that vision appears closer than ever.

Additional Context & Content:

• Economic Impact: The redevelopment is expected to create both construction and permanent jobs, potentially revitalizing the surrounding area economically.
• Residential Demand: The addition of 270 apartments is significant for a region where housing demand has grown steadily post-pandemic, particularly near urban cores.
• Changing Retail Landscape: Clearview Mall’s transformation mirrors nationwide trends in commercial real estate, where aging shopping centers are being replaced with live-work-play communities.
• Cultural Shift: With space designated for public events and festivals, the redeveloped site aims to become more than a retail center—it’s designed to be a hub for community life.

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Originally reported by Brian Taylor in CD Recycler.