Full Breakdown
Lloyd Center Shuts Down After 66 Years, Paving Way for Mixed-Use Redevelopment
8/8/2026, 8:51:48 PM
Core Event: Final Closure on August 8, 2026
The Lloyd Center closed its doors on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The final day featured a “Food Court 5000” silent-disco walk, a “Celebration of Life” bike ride, and a last skate on the ice rink at 7 p.m.
Background & Context
From its inception, Lloyd Center housed more than 100 retailers, offices, and an indoor ice rink that opened the same year. The rink was used by Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding and local families. Over the decades the mall underwent renovations, a 1980s glass-roof addition and a 2015 remodel, but online shopping left many storefronts vacant. By the early 2020s the property resembled an “extremely well-maintained abandoned airport,” with only a handful of small businesses remaining.
Data & Statistics
- Opened: August 1960 (66 years).
- Size: ~1.2 million sq ft.
- Original tenant count: >100 stores and offices.
- Remaining tenants at closure: ~40 stores.
- Final Beyblade tournament (August 2, 2026) drew ~100 participants.
- Vendor clearance deadline: August 31, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
The property will be transformed into a mixed-use district with housing, retail, parks, and improved pedestrian connections. The Portland City Council gave its final procedural vote approving the Lloyd Central City Master Plan, allowing redevelopment to proceed.
On-the-Ground Reports
Longtime shoppers expressed sorrow and celebration. Pauline Long, who first visited as a child, said she “hate[s] it” and had already shed tears. Krisine Menbioro, acting manager of Trend Shoes, called the shutdown “a bummer” and cited rising costs. Keia Booker, co-owner of Keia and Martyn’s Coffee, announced a relocation a few blocks away, emphasizing a focus on BIPOC, LGBTQ, women, disabled, and local makers. Community groups such as the Portland Trail-Bladers used the vacant food court for Beyblade tournaments, describing the space as a “safe space for weirdos.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A local commentary outlet reported that many residents were surprised the mall had remained open “this entire time,” a perception not reflected in other sources that described it as largely empty. While the master plan outlines mixed-use redevelopment, detailed timelines for housing units, public spaces, and traffic revisions have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I hate it. I've already shed some tears,” — Northeast Portland
- “I'm kind of sad to say that this place is going to shut down permanently,” — Krisine Menbioro, acting manager
- “It’s kind of become a safe space for weirdos and people who wouldn’t fit in,” — Stewart-Hipes
What’s Next
Urban Renaissance Group’s plan envisions a new street grid, public plazas, and thousands of housing units on the 29.3-acre site. Existing vendors must clear inventory by August 31, 2026; fixtures will remain pending demolition. The Portland Trail-Bladers’ Beyblade tournaments will relocate to Gambit’s Games in Northeast Portland and to BatCave Games in Vancouver, Washington. The ice rink will not be retained, prompting local skaters to seek alternative facilities.
