Sears at 12 Oaks was extensively remodeled in the 1990s [[new flooring, paint, depts. moved around). I believe the JCPenney has also received a few remodels over the years. Of course, nothing compares to the complete gut job and expansion that Macy's received several years ago. It resembles nothing of its past Hudson's/Marshall Field days, completely whitewashed with all personality removed [[IMHO).
I find it interesting the paths that Fairlane and 12 Oaks took. They started off as sister malls, closely resembling each other. 12 Oaks developed in a burgeoning area, kick-starting a lot of new development that would happen after the formation of the mall. Fairlane was built in an established older area, close to the inner city. Well...we all know what ended up happening and 12 Oaks surrounding area is still not even as old as Fairlane's was 40+ years ago when they were both built.
I spent some time at 12 Oaks this weekend. While I did see a few vacancies, I don't see this mall dying off anytime soon. Perhaps with the downfall of other malls, [[particularly Northland which 12 Oaks helped kill) the clientele has gotten more diverse. If a new mall was developed in Commerce or Milford this would definitely lead to 12 Oaks downfall, repeating Metro Detroit's pattern of abandoning old malls and neighborhoods for new. However, until that happens, I suspect that 12 Oaks will continue to thrive. Additionally, the retail climate has changed too much and the Millennials are growing tired of urban sprawl where I doubt a new further out regional mall will ever happen, thus 12 Oaks has a good future.
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