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Desoto Square Mall Tickets

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About Desoto Square Mall

Desoto Square Mall, located at 303 US 301 Blvd W in Bradenton, FL, is a historic retail hub with a rich past and an evolving future. Although the mall closed permanently on April 30, 2021, redevelopment efforts are underway, and anchors have been repurposed: the former Sears is now Go Store It Self-Storage and the Macy's space has become Hudson's Furniture. The property sits on roughly 58 acres with a total floor area around 678,000 sq ft and a gross leasable area near 569,675 sq ft. While parts of the site are under redevelopment, the area remains a notable landmark for locals and visitors exploring Bradenton and the greater Sarasota area.

As a venue page, we provide practical, easy-to-find information for planning and curiosity alike: how to reach the site, where to park, transit options, and nearby lodging and dining. This page also captures the historical flavor of Desoto Square Mall — from its opening date in 1973 to notable moments like Ronald Reagan’s 1976 visit and the iconic Port O'Call food court opening in 1997. We balance reverence for the past with clear updates on the present-day redevelopment and future possibilities.

Geographically, Bradenton sits along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with Desoto Square Mall positioned near central Bradenton and within commuting distance of Sarasota. Travelers and locals alike will find the area accessible via DeSoto Transit Station and nearby park-and-ride facilities, making it convenient to visit even as parts of the site evolve.

Venue details and current status: Desoto Square Mall is a redeveloping site with ongoing changes to its layout and use. The Sears anchor has transitioned to Go Store It Self-Storage, and the Macy’s space is now Hudson's Furniture. In August 2024, plans were announced by Madison Communities to construct a 7.5-acre apartment project on part of the former site, with other portions potentially listed for lease or repurposing. For guests seeking nearby resources, we list transportation options, parking guidance, and nearby hotels and restaurants.

Seating and accessibility: As a former mall, Desoto Square offered diverse seating areas within enclosed mall corridors and anchor stores. While there are no current event-specific seating arrangements on site, guests planning future visits should verify current access routes, open spaces, and any active redevelopment footprints. Parking is ample with a historically strong parking ratio, though layout may vary as redevelopment progresses.

Transit and getting there: The DeSoto Transit Station at 820 301 Blvd W serves multiple MCAT routes. Park-and-ride facilities are available nearby, and rideshare or taxi services can be convenient options for visitors attending redevelopment sites or nearby amenities.

Nearby hotels and dining: Bradenton and the broader Sarasota area host a variety of accommodations within reasonable reach of the former Desoto Square site. For lodging, consider well-known Bradenton-area hotels and properties within a short drive. Dining options in the Bradenton area range from casual staples to sit-down experiences, with several affiliate partnerships available for recommended stays and meals. When booking, we can connect you with partner hotels and restaurants to simplify your planning.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location/address: 303 US 301 Blvd W, Bradenton, FL 34205; enclosed mall on roughly 58 acres.
  • Size/capacity: total floor area ~678,000 sq ft; gross leasable area ~569,675 sq ft; parking ratio ~5.59 spaces per 1,000 sq ft.
  • Status: permanently closed on April 30, 2021; redevelopment underway; anchors repurposed (Sears -> storage, Macy's -> Hudson's Furniture).
  • Transit: DeSoto Transit Station at 820 301 Blvd W serves multiple MCAT routes; park-and-ride facilities nearby.
  • Nearby hotels: several Bradenton/Sarasota-area hotels listed as within reach of the former mall (e.g., Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound and other Bradenton-area options).
  • Notable events: mall opened August 15, 1973; Ronald Reagan visited on February 26, 1976; Port O'Call food court opened April 1997 with Dawn Wells attending; multiple anchor changes and closures over the years.
  • Renaming/demolition: briefly rebranded as Midtown DeSoto Square Mall in 2018–2019; as of 2024 anchors repurposed and portions under redevelopment; the Sears anchor later became Go Store It Self-Storage; the Macy's space became Hudson's Furniture.
  • Current redevelopment: in August 2024, Madison Communities announced a plan to build a 7.5-acre apartment project on part of the former site; other portions listed for lease or repurposing.