In the heart of the Twin Cities, an ambitious entrepreneur is breathing new life into the iconic Maplewood Mall. Toua Xiong, the owner of HmongTown Marketplace in St. Paul, has set his sights on a major redevelopment of the mall. His vision? To transform it into the Pan Asian Center, a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and entertainment. With a focus on celebrating and uplifting diverse cultures, Xiong’s goal is to create a space that reflects the community's growing diversity and the rich tapestry of cultures that define the region.

A Vision Taking Shape: Major Acquisitions

Xiong’s journey toward revitalizing the Maplewood Mall began with two significant acquisitions. Just recently, he secured the former Macy’s department store space, which had closed earlier this year. “When it was announced that Macy’s would be closing by the end of March, we knew we had to act fast,” Xiong said. “We rushed to acquire it, and now we own it.”

But that’s not all. Xiong had already made strides in the area in 2023, purchasing the old Sears space that had been vacant for nearly a decade. “We’ve been working on renovating that area, and now we’re combining these two properties,” Xiong explained. “Together, we have over 29 acres and more than 400,000 square feet of space. Once we acquire the whole mall, that number will grow to over 59 acres and 720,000 square feet.”

A Future-Focused Plan: Expanding the Dream

While these acquisitions represent significant progress, Xiong and his team aren’t stopping there. His next goal is to acquire the remaining parts of the mall by this summer, excluding Kohl’s and JC Penney. This expansion is essential to realizing the vision of the Pan Asian Center, which aims to revitalize the mall and attract more foot traffic. “It’s sad to see shopping centers losing visitors,” Xiong said. “We want to rescue the Maplewood Mall, bring people back, and create a space where businesses can thrive.”

Xiong emphasized that his goal isn’t just to attract more shoppers but also to ensure the current tenants remain successful. “We want to honor all the tenants and bring in enough foot traffic so they make money and stay long-term,” he said. By focusing on community-driven growth, Xiong hopes to breathe new life into the mall and ensure its continued success.

A Bold Future: The Pan Asian Center

The redevelopment of the Macy’s space will be a centerpiece of Xiong’s vision for the Pan Asian Center. Plans include a food hall, professional office spaces for lease, and a variety of vendors to cater to the diverse community. A highlight of the new space will be a large event center with a capacity of 3,000 to 4,000 people, available for rent by individuals and businesses. “Several vendors have already signed leases for the Macy’s space,” Xiong shared. “I’m not nervous about this project. I’m excited.”

Xiong’s ambitions for the Pan Asian Center don’t stop at the mall. Once redevelopment is complete, he plans to expand onto the surrounding property, with plans for hotels, apartments, restaurants, and much more. His vision is to create a truly integrated space where people can live, work, eat, and shop, all while celebrating the diversity that makes the area unique.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Growth

For Xiong, this project is more than just a business venture; it’s a passion project aimed at creating lasting value for the community. His vision for the Pan Asian Center goes beyond bricks and mortar—it’s about fostering a space where different cultures can come together, share experiences, and thrive. With his unwavering determination and commitment to revitalizing the Maplewood Mall, Xiong is poised to make a lasting impact on the region and create a legacy that future generations can enjoy.