by Shawn Nowlin
While it hasn’t been the case recently, not too long ago, Tanglewood Mall at 4420-A Electric Road was the preeminent hub in the Roanoke Valley when it came to providing customers with a pleasant shopping experience. A significant local economy factor for more years than not, the resources at and around Tanglewood Mall have historically encompassed shopping, dining, healthcare, and more.
Open to the public since March 1973, the mall, just under 788,600 square feet, was managed by Urban Retail Properties until Hackney Real Estate Partners took over. Five decades ago, just five stores occupied the space: Leggett (now Belk), JCPenny, Woolio, G.L. Murphy, and Miller & Rhoads. Today, that number is around three dozen with businesses ranging from Suit City to Five Guys Burgers & Fries.
The clarity to one question constantly asked – “What is with all the expansion plans and how will it impact Tanglewood Mall?” – has officially been answered.
Under the direction of Hackney Real Estate, efforts to redevelop the shopping space began some time ago. Explained a company spokesperson, “We are thrilled about the acquisition of Tanglewood Mall and look forward to being a part of the Roanoke community. Our main objective is to build upon the foundation established by the prior owner and maintain the property as a first-class asset for Roanoke and the surrounding communities.”
Before any expansion plans could be implemented, approval from the County needed to happen first.
In the summer of 2017, JCPenny closed its Tanglewood location. Two years later, Carilion Clinic publicly announced its intentions to utilize the space. A mental health facility is expected to be added in the fall.
Noted Dr. Robert Trestman, Ph.D., M.D., and Chair of Carilion Mental Health, “By allowing people in for treatment without stigmatizing them, we empower ourselves as a community, as a region, and as a nation. We have thought of those all too often as a moral failing or a sign of weakness when they are actually brain disorders. More than just brain disorders, they are treatable disorders. So many of us don’t want to acknowledge that we are hurting, that we are suffering, and that we might need some care.”
Since 2021, Aspen Dental, Blaze Pizza, Chipotle, Panda Express, and Jersey Mike’s have all added to Tanglewood Mall’s appeal. Currently, a Popeye’s Restaurant and Sketchers Shoe Store are under construction.
At shoptanglewood.com and on its Facebook page is where more information can be found about Tanglewood’s expansion.
