Rapids Mall

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Rapids Mall (aka Wisconsin Rapids Mall to some) is an enclosed mall located in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Prior to the mall buildout, the downtown area consisted of a grid of streets. A large F.W. Woolworth Company WoolCo department store was at the heart of downtown. Plans in 1976 were finalized to raze many of the existing buildings around the store, and build the mall.

When opened in 1978, Rapids Mall contained the pre-existing WoolCo, along with a new JCPenney (which replaced an older downtown store), and newcomer H.C. Prange Co. (Prange's). A long enclosed concourse of approximately 40 shops links all three of these anchors together to form the mall. Short wings off the main hall lead to the aforementioned Penney and Prange anchors.

The only significant physical change the mall has seen throughout the years is the turnover of the former WoolCo (Closed in 1983) to Wal-Mart in 1986. This would close upon the opening of a new larger store on Wisconsin Rapids' east side in 1998. This building has been reconfigured into what is now called Centralia Center (Centralia being the former name of the community at the west side of the Wisconsin River, where the mall is located.) The Center is a 'senior citizens' activity and services center, meant to conbine a variety of services (health and related mostly), and activities, including a stage and separate activity and meeting rooms, all under one roof in a central city location.

H.C. Prange Co.'s store, like with all of its other Wisconsin and Michigan locations, changed its name to Younkers in 1992 upon the buyout of the Prange's chain.

The mall has remained the same in appearance throughout its nearly-30 year history. The idea was to give the mall a blending of contemporary architecture, with the feel of being in the woods. Lighting is subdued, limited to dim fluorescent fixtures and skylights. There are many planters and shrubs surrounding seating areas.

Many regional and national tenants that have vacated the mall over the years, especially during the turbulent 1990s decade, have had their space filled by new regional and local shops. A Family Dollar variety store has taken up some of the business lost when Wal-Mart vacated, serving as the mall's variety/discount store.

Today, the mall emphasizes on its community roots. Ever since its opening, the mall has been locally owned and operated.