What are the recent closures at Mid City Mall in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood?

Baxter Avenue Theatres announced it will close on December 31, 2025, after nearly 30 years of operation. ValuMarket, the mall's primary grocery store, will cease operations in May 2026, as its lease is set to expire in June.

What other businesses have closed at Mid City Mall recently?

The Back Door Bar & Grille, a neighborhood favorite for 39 years, closed in May 2024 following the passing of its longtime owner. Additionally, the Nearly New Shop, a charity shop in the mall's basement, closed in September 2025.

What is the current status of Mid City Mall's property?

In November 2024, the 11.5-acre Mid City Mall property was listed for sale, leading to uncertainty about its future. Proposals for redevelopment have included plans for a 54,000-square-foot grocery store and six standalone retail buildings totaling 53,000 square feet.

How has the community responded to the potential redevelopment of Mid City Mall?

Community members have expressed interest in reimagining the space, with suggestions ranging from residential developments to mixed-use facilities. A listening session was held to gather feedback on the future of the property.

December 23, 2025

Significant Transitions at Mid City Mall in Louisville

Louisville, December 23, 2025

Mid City Mall in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood is facing a major transition as Baxter Avenue Theatres and ValuMarket announce their closures. The beloved Baxter Avenue Theatres, a staple for independent films, will close by the end of 2025, while ValuMarket, the mall’s primary grocery store, is set to cease operations in mid-2026. These closures are part of a larger trend at the mall, raising concerns about the area’s future, leading community members to propose innovative redevelopment ideas.

Louisville, Kentucky – Mid City Mall in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood is facing significant transitions as two notable tenants, Baxter Avenue Theatres and ValuMarket, announce their impending closures. Baxter Avenue Theatres, a beloved fixture in the community for nearly three decades, confirmed it will close on December 31, 2025. ValuMarket, the mall’s main grocery store, will cease operations in May 2026, due to the expiration of its lease in June.

Baxter Avenue Theatres has been a key player in promoting independent films, midnight screenings, and film festival showcases since its opening in 1996. The theater’s ownership group expressed an interest in continuing operations; however, uncertainty surrounding the mall’s future and redevelopment plans, which do not include the theater, has contributed to the decision to close.

ValuMarket’s closure also highlights the challenges faced by the mall, with the store manager indicating it will likely close in May 2026, allowing time to prepare for the end of its lease.

### Recent Business Departures at Mid City Mall

These closures are not isolated incidents but part of a concerning trend at Mid City Mall, which has seen several businesses exit in recent years. The Back Door Bar & Grille, a neighborhood staple for 39 years, closed in May 2024 following the death of its longtime owner. Moreover, the Nearly New Shop, a charity store occupying the mall’s basement, shut down in September 2025.

Given these changes, the local community finds itself grappling with the impact of these closures on the region’s identity and economy. In November 2024, the 11.5-acre Mid City Mall property was put on the market, amplifying concerns about its future. Proposed redevelopment plans have surfaced, including a 54,000-square-foot grocery store and six standalone retail buildings totaling 53,000 square feet.

### Community Involvement and Redevelopment Ideas

As the mall’s future remains uncertain, community members have begun to voice their visions for a revitalized Mid City Mall. Options being discussed include residential developments and mixed-use facilities, which would breathe new life into the area and potentially stimulate economic growth. Local officials and stakeholders are keenly aware of the importance of fostering an environment ripe for innovation, enterprise, and community engagement.

### The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses

The challenges presented by these closures underscore a broader theme within Louisville’s economic landscape: the resilience and determination of local entrepreneurs. By focusing on supporting small businesses and fostering an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive, the community has the potential to rebound from setbacks and pave the way for a promising economic future.

### Conclusion

The closures of Baxter Avenue Theatres and ValuMarket represent both a loss and an opportunity for Mid City Mall. As the local community contemplates the future of this beloved site, there is an essential call for engagement and support for innovative redevelopment ideas that can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Residents are encouraged to rally around local businesses and continue fostering a vibrant community spirit that has always characterized Louisville.

#### FAQ Section:

What are the recent closures at Mid City Mall in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood?: Baxter Avenue Theatres announced it will close on December 31, 2025, after nearly 30 years of operation. ValuMarket, the mall’s primary grocery store, will cease operations in May 2026, as its lease is set to expire in June.
What other businesses have closed at Mid City Mall recently?: The Back Door Bar & Grille, a neighborhood favorite for 39 years, closed in May 2024 following the passing of its longtime owner. Additionally, the Nearly New Shop, a charity shop in the mall’s basement, closed in September 2025.
What is the current status of Mid City Mall’s property?: In November 2024, the 11.5-acre Mid City Mall property was listed for sale, leading to uncertainty about its future. Proposals for redevelopment have included plans for a 54,000-square-foot grocery store and six standalone retail buildings totaling 53,000 square feet.
How has the community responded to the potential redevelopment of Mid City Mall?: Community members have expressed interest in reimagining the space, with suggestions ranging from residential developments to mixed-use facilities. A listening session was held to gather feedback on the future of the property.

Feature	Details
Recent Closures	Baxter Avenue Theatres closing on December 31, 2025; ValuMarket closing in May 2026.
Other Business Closures	The Back Door Bar & Grille closed in May 2024; Nearly New Shop closed in September 2025.
Property Status	11.5-acre property listed for sale in November 2024; redevelopment proposals include a 54,000-square-foot grocery store and six standalone retail buildings totaling 53,000 square feet.
Community Response	Community members suggest reimagining the space with residential developments or mixed-use facilities; a listening session was held to gather feedback.