It was purchased by Liberty University, who planned to convert to a civic center, but engineers found the site unsuitable.

[12] Liberty University, majority owner of the mall, announced they would purchase the Macy's building and have been in talks with a new unnamed tenant for the property, pending closure on the agreement.

In the same statement, former Liberty chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr., confirmed that the former Sears building would be demolished and replaced with an outdoor shopping experience.

[13] Both the new tenant for the former Macy's location and construction on the former Sears property are part of the university's overall plans for redevelopment of the shopping center.

In 2019, River Ridge Mall tore down both the old Macy's location and the former Sears property as part of an ongoing renovation effort.

[14] In place of the old Macy's, River Ridge Mall added an outdoor grassy event venue as well as some outside facing stores.

Newly opened in 2021 are Stone Fire Pizza, Mein Bowl (an Asian restaurant), and Grounded (serving hand-crafted burgers).