Photo: fhm / Moment / Getty Images
The demolition of the Great Northern Mall in Clay has commenced, marking the end of an era for the once-bustling shopping center. The mall, which has been closed for several years, will be mostly torn down later this month after power is shut off and the town issues the necessary permit. The developer, Guy Hart Jr., managing partner of Hart Lyman Companies, plans to transform the site into a large residential, retail, and medical complex.
The project will retain the former Dick's Sporting Goods store, while other structures on the 215-acre plot, including Dunk & Bright Furniture, Extra Space Storage, and the old Sears building housing Sky Zone Trampoline Park, will remain intact. The demolition, estimated to cost $2.5 million, is part of a broader vision to create a "lifestyle center" with apartments, hotels, and a hospital.
Hart's plans include a medical campus for SUNY Upstate Medical University, which will feature an emergency room and serve as a cornerstone for the development. The site is strategically located near the upcoming Micron Technology complex, adding to its appeal for potential investors.
Despite ongoing legal disputes with former partners, Hart remains optimistic about securing new partners to help realize his vision. According to syracuse.com, he is actively negotiating with several companies to bring the project to fruition.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon supports the redevelopment, emphasizing the importance of making the site attractive to investors. He stated, "A lot of folks in 2026 are going to make decisions about making investments here, and having an attractive site is important."
The demolition and subsequent development are expected to revitalize the area, providing new opportunities for housing, retail, and healthcare services. The community eagerly anticipates the transformation of the Great Northern Mall site into a vibrant hub of activity.