Daytona Beach, FL — In 2023, the shuttered Macy’s at Volusia Mall was sold to Legacy Partners, a California-based developer, for a reported $10 million. The acquisition sparked excitement across Daytona Beach, with promises of a sleek 350-unit apartment complex poised to breathe new life into the aging retail center. But as 2025 draws to a close, the site remains untouched — a silent monument to stalled ambition.
The Macy’s building, once a bustling anchor of the mall, now sits vacant and fenced off, its windows dark and its future uncertain. Legacy Partners’ proposed development, dubbed “Legacy Daytona,” was expected to usher in a new era for the mall: luxury apartments, walkable amenities, and a modern mixed-use environment. Yet despite the fanfare, not a single brick has been laid.
📉 Community Frustration Mounts
Local business owners and residents are growing increasingly frustrated. “We were told this would be the start of something big,” said a longtime tenant inside Volusia Mall. “Instead, it feels like we’re stuck in limbo.”
The mall itself has struggled in recent years, losing major retailers and foot traffic. The Macy’s redevelopment was seen as a potential turning point — a signal that the property could evolve beyond traditional retail. But the lack of visible progress has cast doubt on that vision.
đź“‘ Permits Filed, But No Action
City officials confirmed that Legacy Partners submitted building permits in mid-2025, but no demolition or construction has begun. The delay has fueled speculation about possible financing hurdles, market reevaluation, or internal restructuring within the developer’s operations.
Some urban planners suggest that the project may be caught in the crosswinds of rising interest rates and shifting housing demand. Others point to bureaucratic bottlenecks or a lack of urgency from the developer.
🏙️ Symbol of a Larger Struggle
The dormant Macy’s site has become emblematic of the broader challenges facing Volusia Mall. Once a retail powerhouse, the mall now grapples with vacant storefronts and dwindling relevance in an era dominated by e-commerce and lifestyle centers.
The stalled redevelopment raises deeper questions: Can legacy malls adapt to modern needs? Will private developers follow through on ambitious plans? And what role should local governments play in ensuring accountability?
As Daytona Beach looks ahead to 2026, the community is watching closely. The Macy’s site — once a beacon of retail — now stands as a test of vision, patience, and the promise of renewal. Whether Legacy Partners will deliver on its $10 million commitment remains to be seen.
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