History of Northpark Mall (Missouri) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2026

Northpark Mall is a super-regional mall located in Joplin, Missouri, which originally opened in 1972 with 600,000 square feet and 60 stores. Now, it has expanded to 1,080,000 square feet with over 100 tenants and a food court, serving a trade area of roughly 500,000 people. It is managed by CBL & Associates Properties. Anchor stores include Vintage Stock, TJ Maxx, H&M, JCPenney, Joplin Expo, and Dunham's Sports. Notably, Freeman Hospital added a play area in 2014, and the mall temporarily housed Joplin High School grades 11 and 12 until the new school's completion in August 2014. The mall has two vacant anchor stores, previously occupied by Macy's and Sears.

1972: Northpark Mall Opening

In 1972, Northpark Mall opened on Range Line Road in east Joplin, anchored by Montgomery Ward, JCPenney, and Newman's, along with stores like Walgreens and McCrory's.

1987: Mall Wing Expansion and Renovation

In 1987, Northpark Mall underwent its first renovation, including a new wing extending east from JCPenney, the addition of Famous-Barr and Venture as new anchors, and the introduction of a food court and a five-screen cinema.

1994: Heer's Closure and Sears Relocation

In 1994, Heer's closed, leading Famous-Barr to expand into the former Heer's space. Sears also built a new store adjacent to Montgomery Ward, relocating from downtown Joplin in 1994.

1998: Minor Mall Renovation

In 1998, Northpark Mall underwent a minor renovation involving only a change to the color scheme.

2001: Montgomery Ward Closure

In 2001, Montgomery Ward closed, leading to the subsequent closure of Shopko, which had replaced Venture.

2003: Chuck E. Cheese Opening

In early 2003, a Chuck E. Cheese opened next to Northpark Mall.

2006: Famous-Barr Rebranding and Major Renovation

In 2006, Famous-Barr locations were rebranded as Macy's, and Northpark Mall underwent a major renovation with new lighting, floor tiles, and a Route 66-themed food court.

2007: TJ Maxx and Steve & Barry's Open

In mid-2007, the vacant Montgomery Ward space was divided between TJ Maxx and Steve & Barry's.

2008: Vintage Stock Replaces Steve & Barry's

In 2008, Vintage Stock replaced Steve & Barry's after the latter closed.

August 17, 2011: Joplin High School Classes Begin at Mall

Following the 2011 Joplin tornado, which destroyed Joplin High School, classes for juniors and seniors in the 2011-12 class began in a renovated section of the mall on August 17, 2011.

2012: Store Relocations and Openings

In 2012, Old Navy relocated, leading Jo-Ann Fabrics to occupy Old Navy's former space. Tilt Studios opened a larger location near Vintage Stock, and Ulta Beauty opened a store off the food court in 2012.

May 2014: Joplin High School Temporary School

Joplin High School used the building as a temporary school until May 2014.

August 2014: Joplin High School temporary home

In August 2014, Northpark Mall served as the temporary location for the 11th and 12th grades of Joplin High School until their new building was completed.

August 2014: Joplin High School Moves to New Building

Joplin High School moved into their new building in August 2014.

2014: Soft Play Area Added

In the summer of 2014, a soft play area for children was added in the Macy's women's court.

August 2015: Venture Space Conversion Announced

In August 2015, mall management announced that the former Venture space was being converted back to retail use.

September 2015: Venture Space Conversion Completed

The conversion of the former Venture space back to retail use was completed by late September 2015.

October 2015: Macy's Department Relocation and Makeover

In October 2015, Macy's moved its children's department to the men's store and the men's department to the women's store. Both Macy's stores received a makeover with new fixtures, paint, and carpet.