LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In the heart of the Highlands, Mid City Mall is home to numerous beloved local businesses including the Baxter Avenue Theater, Value Market, Nearly New Shop and the Highlands-Shelby Park Public Library.
Some businesses have come and gone over the years, others have been considered staples.
The Back Door was one of those staples until the bar's new owner, Taylor Dant, announced it would be closing immediately on Monday. Dant's father and longtime owner of the popular bar, John Dant, died unexpectedly last October.
Sandra Metts-Snowden, owner of Mid City Mall, said she still remembers the day John Dant first signed a lease with her for the property on the back corner of the shopping mall, nearly 39 years ago.
"I remember thinking who's going to want to come to a bar in an alley?” Metts-Snowden said. “Little did I know."
She remembers John Dant as a great tenant who worked hard for the neighborhood and his business, saying that he will be greatly missed.
'People are interested'
News of the unexpected closure has fueled rumors of what could come next for the almost 10-acre retail space located along Bardstown Road.
Since The Back Door announced its closure, Metts-Snowden said she's received dozens of calls from bar and restaurant owners looking to fill the space left behind.
Metts-Snowden also said she’s been fielding inquiries and offers for the entire plot of land over the last five years.
“People are interested in purchasing the mall," she added. "It’s in a great neighborhood, it’s centrally located and we do explore every possibility."
The mall's property value is assessed at $11.3 million.
Social media speculation has swirled around different grocers, healthcare giants or even residential companies and their supposed plans for the property.
"We’re evaluating our options and what we want to do with the property next," Metts-Snowden said. "But at this point there is no contract."
She said it’s possible the property could sell in the next year, if the right offer was put on the table, but would not elaborate on what type of businesses they’re considering.
“We are looking for something that would fit in with the neighborhood and would benefit the neighborhood," she said.
For now though, Mid City Mall isn’t going anywhere. But don’t be surprised if a new offer changes that in the coming months.
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