Singing River Mall demolition signals new era for Gautier
GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV) — A once-bustling shopping destination in Gautier is being torn down—ushering in a new chapter for the city.
The Singing River Mall, which sat vacant for years and became a symbol of economic stagnation, is now the focus of Gautier’s largest redevelopment effort in decades. City leaders say the demolition marks more than the end of a structure—it represents the beginning of a vibrant, revitalized downtown core.
Plans for the site include new shops, restaurants, walkable streets, green space, and potentially housing.
“Singing River Mall was a big part of all of our lives here for decades here in Gautier, Mississippi,” said Mayor Casey Vaughan. “It means a little more to me. My aunt owned Corn Dog Seven at the former Singing River Mall. But the mall—indoor malls—are getting to be outdated.”
“Before the mall was demoed here at the Singing River Mall, here at the Town Center Development, my aunt had to close Corn Dog Seven due to lack of business. It was not due to anything other than lack of business. So indoor malls started failing decades ago, and now everything is a different marketing concept, so you have to adjust.”
Demolition of the remaining mall structures is expected to take about 60 days. The cleared area will initially become green space, though major construction is already underway.
“Well, you know, around there will be—after it’s demoed—it’ll be green space for now,” Vaughan said. “But the whole Town Center development, we have a redevelopment agreement that was reached in federal court with Belk.”
“We awarded the contract for the demo of the awning that is attached to Belk. Belk owns their store. We’re blessed to have a large box anchor here, but it was part of our redevelopment agreement that we had two years to demo the awning that’s attached to them. Then they will update the whole exterior of their location here in Gautier, Mississippi.”
The first major project to rise from the site will be the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame Performing Arts Center, which has already broken ground.
“We’ve already created jobs because we’ve hired construction companies to do the demo,” Vaughan explained. “The next phase of the Town Center development is the Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center and Hall of Fame. It will be on the northwest corner here, and they’re actually out here today on that project getting ready. They’ve broken the ground, getting ready for construction, and of course that contract will be completed in 18 months.”
City officials say clearing the space is a critical step toward attracting investment and bringing a modern, thriving commercial district to Gautier.
“As you can see, we’re just getting the development product-ready,” Vaughan said. “So when a development comes, we will be ready to develop. To help also market the property—when it looks a little clean and fresh and more not deteriorated and blighted—it will help attract economic development.”
As the walls of the past come down, Gautier is laying the groundwork for the future—preserving the memories of the mall while embracing what’s next for the community.
