Laurel Mall to be demolished for new town center

Prince George’s County’s plans to redevelop the dilapidated Laurel Mall face stiff competition from well-established malls and other developments within a few miles of the city. The mall, which opened in 1979, enjoyed moderate success for several years before losing business and tenants to nearby Columbia Mall and Arundel Mills. Laurel residents say the mall, now anchored by Macy’s and Burlington Coat Factory, is an eyesore on Route 1.

“It’s not the mall people want to go to, it’s the mall people run from,” said Bibi Perotte-Foston, president of the North Laurel Civic Association.