The Village at Medford Center

The Village at Medford Center, formerly known as The Medford Center, is a distinguished regional shopping complex in east Medford, Oregon, United States. Spanning an impressive 420000 ft2 of retail space spread over 36 acres, this regional retail center holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and largest shopping centers in Jackson County, alongside Rogue Valley Mall.

Historical Background
Prior to its construction, the site was primarily used for agricultural purposes, including livestock grazing. The origins of The Village at Medford Center, initially named The Medford Center, trace back to 1959, marking its role as a pioneering shopping destination in the Medford area. Strategically located adjacent to the Interstate 5 Highway, the center was anchored by Sears from its inception.

Originally boasting a retail space of 333000 ft2 and functioning as an open-air strip mall, the shopping center underwent a significant transformation in 1984. Through extensive renovations, it was converted into an enclosed shopping destination. The 1980s witnessed the integration of numerous stores into the center, including prominent additions like Payless Drug Stores and Safeway, which expanded the complex by 85000 ft2. Prior to the unveiling of the Rogue Valley Mall in 1986, The Village held the distinction of being the largest shopping hub in Medford. In 1997, the premises saw the inauguration of Cinemark Tinseltown USA, the largest movie theater in southern Oregon. This establishment replaced the Cine' 4 theater in north Medford and the Movies 5 theater at Rogue Valley Mall, both of which were also operated by Cinemark.

In 2014, LBG Real Estate Companies assumed ownership of the shopping center and embarked on an ambitious revitalization project, rebranding it as The Village at Medford Center. This extensive renovation introduced several enhancements, including glass barrel vault canopies, seating, ambient music, and other amenities, enhancing the pedestrian corridor in the Village. New building facades and pavers were also integrated throughout the center as part of this endeavor, totaling over $25 million to the renewal of The Village at Medford Center, now Southern Oregon’s only lifestyle and entertainment center. This extensive renovation encompassed the entire expanse of the shopping center, totaling 420,000 square feet, and gave rise to a vibrant landscape accommodating new retailers, an array of dining establishments, captivating entertainment venues, and establishments focused on promoting health and wellness. Among the noteworthy additions to the shopping center were the introduction of the Tap and Vine restaurant and Butterfly Club speakeasy, the local non-profit Collaborative Theater Project, and a modern Village Fitness gym, alongside other ventures that enriched the center's offerings.

A significant development occurred on December 28, 2018, when the announcement was made regarding the impending closure of the Sears store, aligning with the nationwide closure of eighty stores. This particular branch concluded its operations in March 2019, leading the way for ongoing development initiatives that ultimately replaced Sears with Burlington and TJ Maxx, accompanied by Ross Dress for Less, which now occupies the adjacent unit.