We recently marked the 50th anniversary of Oak Park Mall with the center’s owners, city leaders, tenants, and its original developer, now known as Copaken Brooks. In a time when most community malls sit idle or have been demolished, Oak Park Mall has defied these trends and continues to thrive despite recessions, the Covid pandemic, and shifting consumer demands.

Long before I moved to Overland Park, I would plan “shoulder time” before or after work trips to the Kansas City area so I could shop at Oak Park Mall. Decades before I became a resident, I was a regular contributor to this economy. That’s part of the mall’s magic. It’s a regional destination, attracting shoppers from miles and states away, drawn by stores and experiences they don’t find at home. This economic pull has made Oak Park a powerhouse for Overland Park, Johnson County and our state.

I believe Oak Park’s success boils down to a few things:

• Forward-thinking intentionality – CBL Properties, the mall’s owner, and Karla Engel, Senior General Manager, don’t rely on the mall’s past successes. They are continually looking ahead, focused on the customer experience, tenant satisfaction, and how they can best serve the community.
• Great partnerships – Karla and CBL prioritize building strong, mutual relationships among the mall’s tenants (a mix of national brands and local favorites), the City of Overland Park and the business and civic community.
• Entrepreneurial spirit – There’s a mindset to try new things, like showcasing student entrepreneurs with their own storefronts, promoting local artists, and showcasing experiences and local talent at The Culture House; and
• Continuous investment – CBL consistently invests in this vital asset, focusing not only on maintenance but also on enhancing the property.

This creativity and commitment has bred success, not just for the mall, but for our region.

Here are a few insights about the mall’s impact:

• On average, Oak Park Mall is about 25% larger than any other mall across Kan., Mo., Ia., Neb., Okla. or Colo.
• Oak Park Mall is ranked #2 in Overland Park’s tax base in assessed valuation.
• With more than 8.9 million annual visits, Oak Park Mall hosts more guests than 27 packed Super Bowls – or 120 Arrowhead Stadium sellouts – every year.
• This helps Johnson County lead the state in drawing shoppers – generating $14.4 billion in retail sales in 2024. If Johnson County were a country, its GDP and number of visitors would rival those of the Bahamas.

Congratulations . . . and here’s to the next 50 years!!!