Mall's owner: Metrocenter is not being demolished

PHOENIX - Metrocenter is not being demolished -- that's the word from the mall's owner after reports surfaced that the iconic landmark was being torn down.

Metrocenter was one of the largest indoor malls in the country when it opened back in the 1970s. There was an indoor ice rink and scenes from the movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" were filmed there.

Today, there's no doubt the mall has fallen on some hard times. Sears is the only department store still open and there's plenty of empty shops inside, but with a light rail extension in the works, the mall's owners are hoping to redevelop the area.

A Wal-Mart is already under construction and there's a plan to put in more residential, office and medical space. The Carlyle Group bought the mall in 2012 for $12 million and the city has already approved some of the zoning changes.

The Chief Operating Officer, Warren Fink, released a statement, saying in part, "There are no plans in place at this time for a complete demolition. What is in place is our vision to create an urban vision with a mixed-use palate that makes the highest and best use of this site. We won't be saying 'goodbye' to Metrocenter for a long time."

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