Fort Carson removes Citadel Mall from off-limits areas

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Armed Forces and Fort Carson have removed the Citadel Mall from the off-limits list released in late July.

After being taken off the list on Wednesday, Sept. 4 the City released a statement following the decision of the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board to remove the Citadel Mall from its off-limits areas and establishments list.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade reacted to the decision on Thursday, Sept. 5, and said it was a “positive development” for the community. The Citadel Mall was put on a three-month probationary status.

“Thank you to 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Commanding General MG David Doyle and the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board for recognizing the good faith effort of the Citadel Mall owners to make security improvements,” said Mayor Mobolade. “This decision is the result of dedicated stakeholders joining together to make necessary changes and demonstrate a proactive approach to safety. By welcoming military families back to the Citadel Mall, we not only restore a sense of normalcy, but also reinforce the strong bond between the military community and Colorado Springs. It is crucial we maintain this momentum. By sustaining open communication and ongoing collaboration with all parties, we can continue to build a safe and enjoyable experience for all.”

Citadel Mall was among 12 locations where soldiers were not allowed to go, including seven different bars/clubs and five other businesses. Servicemembers are not allowed to go in while in uniform.

The military said the purpose of the order was to “prevent service members from being exposed to locations where crimes regularly occur or environments that could potentially jeopardize their health or welfare.”

On August 15, Namdar Realty Group — who owns Citadel Mall — held a press conference with Colorado Springs leaders to discuss the ongoing safety concerns at the mall. Both parties planned to work together to try and get the mall off the banned list.

The conversations came after multiple shootings that have happened at the mall over the years. Including one in early August that left one injured from a gunshot wound to the leg and another shooting in Dec. 2023 that left one dead and three injured.

During the press conference in August, the mall said they planned to install more cameras, increase security, install more lights, and add gates to the parking lot entrances. The city and the mall also planned to host a community conversation on Friday, Sept. 20 to figure out what the mall should look like moving forward.

“Citadel Mall Ownership and Management have worked diligently to collaborate on solutions and implement the changes needed to welcome military members and their families back to the mall. We are proud of the progress made and grateful for the community’s support in this effort,” said the statement from Asset Manager Kevin Chadrijan, Namdar Realty Group. “We recognize, too, that the military’s decision remains linked to our continued proactivity and engagement with regards to safety and security. We look forward to demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the Citadel Mall and this community in the months to come.”

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