‘A destination place’: Arlington councilman, former shoppers welcome Regency Square Mall’s new chapter

Demolition has begun at Regency Square Mall in Jacksonville, marking the start of a redevelopment effort at the property that was once the largest enclosed, air-conditioned shopping mall in the Southeast.On Monday, News4JAX saw construction crews tearing down the mall’s food court. The demolition is expected to continue for six to eight months, according to District 1 Councilman Ken Amaro. Infrastructure work is also underway in portions of the property outside the mall.“After almost a decade of disrepair and disappointment, now it looks like things are turning around,” Amaro said.Regency Square was once a major shopping destination, drawing families to stores, restaurants, and movies. Residents recalled fond memories of the mall in its heyday.“My daughter used to go there quite often. She worked there for a little while, summer jobs,” Jacksonville resident Howard Murray said. “But if it’s not being used, it’s best that they go ahead and tear down and put something that’s going to be m