Sarasota Square Mall
shopping mall in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota Square Mall (also known as Westfield Shoppingtown Sarasota Square and Westfield Sarasota Square) was a shopping mall near Sarasota, Florida on the northwest corner of U.S. Route 41 and Beneva Road. It opened in September 1977 and closed in late 2024. The mall was demolished in February 2025 with its anchor stores, Costco and JCPenney, operating as freestanding stores.
History
Planning and construction
Arlen Realty and Development Corporation, a predecessor of CBL & Associates Properties, announced Sarasota Square Mall in 1976. The mall was planned to be anchored by Maas Brothers and JCPenney, the latter of which would relocate from nearby Southgate Shopping Plaza (which was an outdoor strip mall at the time). The mall would also include J. Byrons as a smaller anchor and a six-screen movie theater. Additional space was left on the north side for an additional large anchor. Maas Brothers, J. Byrons, and an AMC movie theater opened on August 4, 1977.
Opening and early years
Sarasota Square officially held its grand opening on September 28, 1977, and JCPenney opened the same day. JCPenney was located on the south side of the mall, and Maas Brothers and J. Byrons were located across from each other in the center.
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