Judge's Northland Center Decision Affects 70 Tenants

Northland Center, which opened in March 1954, has been operating at a monthly deficit of about $247,000, according to an Oakland County Circuit Court judge. (Photo via Flickr)

» Sign up for the Patch daily newsletter and news alerts.

One of the first suburban malls in the country, Northland Center was ordered closed Wednesday by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Potts.

About 70 tenants in the 60-year-old mall will have 30 days to evacuate the Southfield Mall, The Detroit News and WJBK-TV are reporting.

In January, anchor stores Macy’s and Target said they were leaving the Southfield mall.

The mall has been operating at a monthly deficit of about $247,000.

“The benefits it has to all – the tenants, owners and community – are outweighed by the losses,” said Potts, whose ruling came at the request of attorney John W. Polderman, who represents the receiver.

Some mall tenants grumbled about the short notice.

“We’re devastated,” said Debra Grace, who operates a dental practice in the mall. “We have patients in the middle of dental treatment. Six months would be more appropriate (to move).”

Polderman said that’s not an option. The mall will be listed for sale over the coming months, he said.

Ashkenazy Acquisition had owned the mall since 2008, but defaulted on a $31 million payment last year and has not kept up with maintenance or needed repairs, Polderman said.

» It’s easy to post your own news, events and celebrations on Patch.