Exploring Two Dead Philly Malls Before They Close Forever - Franklin Mills and Neshaminy Mall
By Ray Out There · Published September 27, 2026
Source attribution identifies the publication and does not imply endorsement.
Franklin Mall
- Location:
- Philadelphia, PA
- Category:
- Mall
Current status
At RiskConfirmed September 28, 2026
Review status evidenceFacing a known threat to continued operation.
About
Franklin Mills opened in 1989 and became a huge shopping and hangout spot in Northeast Philadelphia. It was renamed Philadelphia Mills in 2014 and Franklin Mall in 2024. Much of the old mall is still there, but many stores are empty and a new owner has plans to remake the property
Site access
- Access
- Public venue
Latest documented update
Place history
Events are ordered by when they happened, even when the material was added later.
September 27, 2026
Documented visit
Ray Out There documented Franklin Mall amid closure concerns
Occupant: Franklin Mall
Ray Out There walked through Franklin Mall in a video that also visits Neshaminy Mall. It is the newest look at Franklin Mall after the property went up for sale and redevelopment plans were announced.
December 3, 2025
Status update
The struggling mall was listed for sale
Occupant: Franklin Mall
Franklin Mall was put up for sale after years of losing stores and shoppers. The listing suggested that a future owner could keep parts of the mall or reuse the land for something else.
- Status: At Risk
December 2024
Renamed
Philadelphia Mills became Franklin Mall
Occupant: Franklin Mall
After the mall changed hands, the Philadelphia Mills signs came down and new Franklin Mall signs went up. The new name was closer to what many locals had kept calling it all along.
September 16, 2014
Renamed
Franklin Mills became Philadelphia Mills
Occupant: Philadelphia Mills
The mall was renamed Philadelphia Mills as part of a major makeover. The work brought new signs, entrances, landscaping, and a more modern look inside.
- Status: Stable
May 11, 1989
Opened
Franklin Mills opened as a themed outlet destination
Occupant: Franklin Mills
Franklin Mills opened at Knights and Woodhaven Roads on the site of the old Liberty Bell racetrack. The huge mall had a mile-long walkway, 120 stores, and was promoted as the world's largest outlet mall.
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