An abandoned JCPenney in the former Cloverleaf Mall circa 2011. | Photo by Will Fisher via Wikimedia Commons
Shopping malls across America have been left in a long-lost state, and Richmond is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.
Let’s go to the mall
Travel back in time to 1972, when Cloverleaf Mall opened in Chesterfield as the largest indoor shopping center in the area. Locals may remember its 20-ft pool + various plants adorning the mall’s interior. After slowly losing tenants and sitting mostly empty, Cloverleaf officially closed in 2008, with mall demolition beginning in 2011.
Once a thriving meeting space at Cloverleaf Mall, circa 2011. | Photo by Will Fisher via Wikimedia Commons
Back to the future
The site of Cloverleaf Mall is now home to Stonebridge Shopping Center — a multi-use outlet with restaurants, specialty shops, and a Kroger.
Cloverleaf may be a time-capsuled memory, but Richmond still has several thriving shopping centers to carry on the legacy. See the full article for a few examples + a look at another local mall back in its prime.
“Last Dance Before Dawn” with Katharine Schellman | 6 p.m. | Fountain Bookstore | Donation based | Schellman will discuss the final release in her book series — a suspenseful and moody mystery set in 1920s New York.
Zarove on Shockoe Sessions Live | 7:30-9 p.m. | In Your Ear Studios | $15 | See this Richmond-based trio live and up close at this studio-style concert.
Wednesday, June 25
“Waitress” at Virginia Repertory Theatre | Wednesday, June 25-Sunday, Aug. 3 | Times vary | November Theatre | $39+ | Locals are loving this Broadway-smash comedy, sure to warm your heart and inspire you to tip your servers well.
John Németh at The Tin Pan | 8-10 p.m. | The Tin Pan | $43 | Join an intimate crowd for this Midwest-turned-Southern artist known for bending genre barriers.
Thursday, June 26
Richmond Ivy | 7 p.m. | City Stadium | $15 | Don’t miss the Ivy’s last home game of the season — Fan Appreciation Night.
An excessive heat warning is in effect now until Wednesday evening. Remember to stay hydrated when outside + for those in need of AC or water, the city has designated cooling centers, including libraries, pools, and plazas. (CBS 6)
Watch
Season four of “The Bear” premieres on Hulu tomorrow, June 25. The story follows a classically trained chef who takes over his brother’s dive restaurant in Chicago. Here in Richmond, we hope someone picks up the story of Grayum Vickers, a punk-musician-turned-wine-sommelier working at local restaurants Lost Letter and Lillian. (CBS 6)
Development
206 apartments and 21 townhomes. That’s what’s in store for West Seventh Street and West Commerce Road in Manchester. The Beach Co., a South Carolina-based developer, has moved forward with site demolition, and construction is slated to begin in early 2026. (Richmond BizSense)
Try This
A convention of comfort. Road to Virginia Quilters’ Conference will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center Thursday, June 26 through Saturday, June 28. A $10 ticket grants you multi-day access to shop supplies and view special artisan exhibits. Expect a vendor appearance from Richmond’s local biz, Quilting Adventures.
Shop
Records continue to be the most popular medium of physical music in the country, leading to a rise in cost. Want to get your hands on a new release? Check out these local shops to build your collection. (WBTV)
Civic
Attention all parents. The first six months of driving are crucial for your teen. Since they’re still learning to judge risks, it’s important to set clear limits, stay involved, and help them build safe driving habits.*
Holiday
On Friday, July 4, head to The Diamond for the Flying Squirrels’ Star-Spangled Squirrels Fest. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy live music, tasty eats, drink specials, and interactive games. Afterward, watch the biggest fireworks show in the region light up the night. Snag tix.*
Need your property to sell fast? Feature it here, in front of our 40,000+ highly engaged readers. Visit our self-service ad portal to get started and see your property in RICtoday in as little as two days.
Post of the Day
Richmond has undergone a bagel boom in recent times, and the good news just keeps rising. See what’s in store for Nate’s Bagels’ new location at 1219 High Point Ave. in Scott’s Addition.
Your favorite bug banisher, to get you through the summer season unbitten:
🌿 These No. 1 best-selling bracelets keep mosquitos away just by wearing them around your wrist or ankle — they’re DEET-free, use essential oils, and fit both kids and adults.
🐜 If slicing summer watermelons brings all the ants to your house, try these best-selling ant bait stations, rated 4.6 stars and usually effective within 24 hours.
💡 For mosquito protection on your porch or patio, try this No. 1 best-selling electric bug zapper — just hang it, plug it in, and enjoy bug-free summer nights.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
This RICtoday reader has a special connection to Cloverleaf Mall, sent to us in July of last year:
“I met my future wife at Longwood University right before summer break. She lived here, and I lived in Lynchburg. I made a date to come see her, but in the days before GPS, I arrived near Richmond and realized her small street wasn’t on my paper map. I called her and we met at Cloverleaf Mall. She is now deceased, but last week I had to go to Stonebridge Shopping Center, never knowing it was Cloverleaf. Thanks RICtoday.” — Keith
I found today’s abandoned mall topic really intriguing, and I would love to write up another edition for Richmond’s old drive-in theaters, but photos have proven hard to come by. Do you have pictures of local drive-ins that are now closed? In the name of research, send ‘em over.
‡This is a paid advertisement for BOXABL’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.boxabl.com. Reserving a Nasdaq ticker does not guarantee a future listing on Nasdaq or indicate that BOXABL meets any of Nasdaq’s listing criteria to do so.
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