A Barnes & Noble continued to operate as a junior anchor with its own exterior access until December 31, 2023.

In the late 80s, L. J. Hooker bought the complex with plans of converting it into not only a much larger indoor mall but also making it a high-end shopping destination unparalleled in the region.

The first phase included a two-level wing extending from the current J.B. White to a new anchor store, Bonwit Teller, which opened in October 1988.

The second phase of the mall opened in November 1989, and included another two-level wing extending from the other side of J.B. White to end at another new anchor: Parisian.

The mall also included a large aviation-themed food court that wrapped around the backside of J.B. White on the upper level.

A few of the stores that had locations in the original Richland Mall reopened once the redevelopment was complete including S&S Cafeteria and Eckerd.

In recent years, the company had gained majority controlling interest in four department stores including Bonwit Teller and Parisian.

Bonwit Teller closed in August 1990, leaving an empty anchor in a still practically brand-new mall.

In 1999, the large, aviation-themed food court was closed and relocated to the lower level on the Parisian end of the mall.

In March 2013, TGI Fridays departed Richland Mall and was replaced with The Seafood Academy which closed in 2016.

CivvieSupply, a premium patriotic and military-inspired clothing brand, opened a fulfillment center in the mall in 2019.

On December 31, 2023, Barnes and Noble closed ahead of opening a new store in March 2024 in a former Bed Bath & Beyond in the nearby Shoppes at Woodhill shopping center.

[9] In late 2022, it was announced that the mall was in the process of being purchased by Augusta-based Southeastern Development and would be demolished and redeveloped.

Developers estimate it will take four to five years before the first phase of the project will be completed, which will include the mixed retail, apartments, and a grocery store.

A second phase should take about an equal amount of time to complete which will include mixed-use retail on the east side of the property as well as a second set of apartments.

[10] Only one day later, on August 10, 2023, it was announced that Barnes & Noble would be relocating leaving the mall completely vacant.