H1: Maplewood Mall Heads Back to Auction with $5 Million Starting Bid
Once a cornerstone of suburban shopping in the Twin Cities, Maplewood Mall is making headlines again — and this time, it’s because the sprawling property is returning to the auction block with a surprisingly attainable $5 million starting bid.
H2: A Super-Regional Icon with New Potential
Located at 3001 White Bear Ave N., Maplewood Mall remains one of the Twin Cities’ largest enclosed shopping centers, spanning more than 338,000 square feet and sitting on 35 acres of land. The mall underwent renovations in 2018 and continues to attract 3.3 million visitors annually, maintaining roughly 96% occupancy with a mix of national retail tenants.
Despite steady performance, its current owner — Maplewood Partners LLC of Tulsa, Oklahoma — has decided to auction the property October 27–29. The auction could open the door for a new wave of investors looking to reinvent the mall’s next chapter.
H2: A Site Ripe for Redevelopment
Interest in the site has remained strong due to its size, location, and redevelopment potential. Earlier this year, local entrepreneur Toua Xiong purchased the former Macy’s building, which sits adjacent to the mall but is not part of the auction. Xiong’s long-term vision includes transforming the property into a Pan-Asian cultural and entertainment hub, with restaurants, retail, and performance space.
Real estate analysts say the Maplewood Mall site could also support multifamily housing, hotels, or mixed-use projects, aligning with broader trends in Twin Cities retail redevelopment. With more consumers shifting online, malls across Minnesota — from Burnsville Center to Southdale — are reinventing themselves as lifestyle destinations that combine retail, dining, and residential components.
H2: From $45 Million Offers to a $5 Million Start
This isn’t Maplewood Mall’s first time on the market. In early 2023, the mall attracted offers in the $45–50 million range, but that deal ultimately fell through. Now, with a $5 million opening bid, investors see an opportunity to acquire a major Twin Cities landmark at a deep discount.
The property’s existing net operating income of $4.6 million means it’s already generating strong returns — even before any redevelopment plans.
H2: What Comes Next for Maplewood Mall?
Whether the buyer chooses to maintain the mall’s retail base or transform it entirely, one thing is certain: Maplewood Mall remains a pivotal property in the east metro’s commercial landscape.
For east metro residents, this could be a defining moment in shaping what Maplewood’s retail core looks like for the next generation.
If you’re following Minnesota’s evolving real estate scene — from malls to new construction homes — stay tuned.
I’m Darin the Minnesōtan, your favorite Twin Cities Realtor. I keep up with all things Minnesota, so you don’t have to.
