What happened to the fountain at Columbia Center mall? More changes expected this year
If you’ve gone to the Columbia Center mall recently, you may have noticed some changes. Perhaps the easiest change to spot is the sudden disappearance of the mall’s fountain.
Now, instead of patrons walking on either side of the water feature outside Macy’s, the mall’s corridor is empty, except for a couple couches and readjusted vendor spaces.
Unfortunately, the mall has no plans to return or replace the iconic fountain.
The idea is a more modern, open space for customers, according to a press release from Simon, the real estate trust that owns the mall. It’s part of a larger revitalization project lasting the majority of this year.
Columbia Center mall updates
The revitalization project is meant to compliment the mall’s existing stores, while also making it more attractive to new businesses.
The mall introduced several new stores in 2024, including Garage, Boot Barn and Lululemon.
According to the press release from Simon, the project includes new flooring and an updated, brighter color palette for the mall’s interior, plus the removal of the fountain and the stage area.
“This project, along with our recent retail and dining additions, is the beginning of a new chapter for Columbia Center,” stated the mall’s general manager, Willie Parker, in the press release. “We can’t wait for customers to experience it in person.”
Columbia Center mall fountain
The mall’s fountain was called the “Fountain of Youth,” according to the signs that used to accompany it.
The signs encouraged tossing coins into the fountain, stating proceeds benefited the Columbia Basin Shrine Club.
While there were steps to the fountain that patrons could sit on, the mall is opting for the convenience of an open corridor with additional seating options.
The decision follows a trend across malls from previous years, noted by Business Insider as early as 2018. Many malls throughout the country have gutted their fountains for the saved money and space.