Rapids Mall

Rapids Mall is an enclosed mall located in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. The mall features over 30 stores and restaurants, and is anchored by Family Dollar, JCPenney and Younkers.

History
Before the mall's construction, Wisconsin Rapids' downtown district consisted of a grid of streets, with discount department store Woolco at the heart. In 1976, plans were finalized to demolish many of the existing buildings around the store, and build the mall.

Rapids Mall opened in 1978, anchored by the pre-existing Woolco, along with JCPenney (which had moved from another location downtown), and Wisconsin-based Prange's. The mall featured 40 other shops, all located along the main mall concourse.

Woolco closed 1983, and remained vacant until the store was converted to to Wal-Mart in 1988. Wal-Mart closed the store in 1998 when a new Wal-Mart Supercenter was built nearby. The former Woolco/Wal-Mart building has been converted to "Centralia Center", an activity and services center for senior citizens.

In 1992, the Prange's chain was acquired by Younkers; the store at Rapids Mall, like all other Prange's stores, was re-named Younkers.

The mall has not been remodeled significantly since its opening Lighting is subdued, limited to fluorescent fixtures and skylights. There are many planters and shrubs surrounding seating areas.

Many national chains, such as Hallmark and Foot Locker, operate in the mall; a community theater is among the notable local tenants. Ever since its opening, the mall has been locally owned and operated.

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