You’ve probably driven past it a thousand times. That sprawling, slightly chaotic concrete landmark sitting right off Greenbelt Road. To a lot of people, Beltway Plaza in Greenbelt, Maryland, is just "that old mall" where you go to hit the Target or grab a quick movie at the AMC.
But honestly? There is so much more going on behind those beige walls than most folks realize.
It’s not just a shopping center. It’s a survivor. While other malls across Prince George’s County have crumbled or turned into ghost towns, Beltway Plaza keeps chugging along. It sort of defies the "death of the mall" narrative we’ve been hearing for a decade. It’s weirdly resilient.
✨ Don't miss: La cucaracha de mar gigante es real y probablemente no es lo que imaginas
The Weird, Tragic History You Didn't Know
Most people think the mall just popped up in the 70s. Nope.
It actually started back in 1963. It wasn't even a full mall back then—just a massive S. Klein department store and a separate strip with an A&P grocery store. But the construction was actually kind of dark. In December 1962, a massive earth slide at the site killed five workers. It was a local tragedy that almost halted the whole project before it began.
The mall eventually grew, connecting the separate buildings into the enclosed maze we know today.
The Muhammad Ali Connection
Here’s a fun piece of trivia for your next dinner party: Muhammad Ali used to hang out here.
Seriously. Back when he was training at Greenbelt Park for fights at the old Capital Centre, he was a frequent sight around the plaza. There’s actually a "Beltway Plaza Hall of Fame" inside the mall that features photos of local luminaries, and the Greatest of All Time is right there among them.
What’s Actually Happening with the Redevelopment?
Everyone keeps asking: "Is the mall closing?"
The short answer is no. But it is changing. Big time.
Quantum Companies, the folks who own the place, have been pushing a massive five-phase redevelopment plan for years. We’re talking about turning the 54-acre site into a "mixed-use" destination. If you've been lately, you might have noticed things feel a bit... stagnant. That's because the project has hit some snags.
Financing has been a hurdle, and the whole "world shutting down" thing a few years back didn't help.
The Current Plan (Phase 1):
✨ Don't miss: Why the White Cement Jordan 4 Still Matters More Than Most Modern Hype
- Residential Focus: The northern parking lot (the one near Breezewood Drive) is slated for about 750 apartments.
- The Hotel: A 92-room hotel is in the works to bring more foot traffic to the area.
- Greenbelt Rec Center: The city is supposed to get a 25,000-square-foot indoor recreation space.
- Sustainability: We're talking rain gardens, bioretention boxes, and maybe even solar panels on the roofs.
Basically, the owners want to stop being "just a mall" and start being a neighborhood. They’re planning for a total of 2,500 residential units over the next decade.
Why This Mall Still Works (When Others Don't)
You’ve seen Landover Mall disappear. You’ve seen others struggle. So why is Beltway Plaza still packed on a Saturday afternoon?
It’s the anchors.
The mall has a "holy trinity" of retail: Target, Giant Food, and AMC Academy 8.
You can't really fail when you have a grocery store and a Target attached to your hip. But the real secret sauce is the local vibe. Unlike the polished, corporate feel of Westfield Annapolis or Tysons, Beltway Plaza is kind of gritty and intensely local.
You’ve got immigrant-owned small businesses selling international wares, specialized beauty supplies, and local bakeries like Atlanta Bread. It serves a diverse community that actually uses the space as a hub, not just a showroom.
The Entertainment Factor
The AMC Academy 8 is a major draw. Even in 2026, people still want that big-screen experience.
Whether it's the latest Avatar sequel or the 20th-anniversary re-releases of Lord of the Rings that are currently trending, the theater stays busy. It's one of those rare places where you can still get a "Discount Tuesday" ticket without breaking the bank. Plus, they've upgraded to the AMC Signature Recliners and Laser projection, so it doesn't feel like the basement theater it used to be.
Addressing the Common Gripes
Look, I’m being honest here—the mall isn't perfect.
People complain about the parking. It's a labyrinth. The layout is also a bit confusing because the Target isn't actually accessible from inside the mall; you have to walk outside to get to it, even though they share a roof. It's a quirk of how the mall was stitched together over 60 years.
Some people say it feels "dated." And yeah, parts of it do. But that’s exactly what the redevelopment is trying to fix. The goal is to move away from the "industrial" look toward something more polished and walkable.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading over to Beltway Plaza, here is how to actually navigate it like a pro:
- Park Near the AMC if you're eating: Most of the best quick-service food is clustered near the theater entrance.
- Use the Breezewood Drive Entrance: If Greenbelt Road is backed up (which it always is), looping around to the back entrance can save you ten minutes of idling in traffic.
- Check out the Small Shops: Don't just go to Marshalls or TJ Maxx. Some of the independent jewelry and clothing stores have items you literally won't find at a big-box retailer.
- Matinee Savings: Hit the AMC before 4 PM. You get 20% off tickets every single day. It’s the cheapest way to see a blockbuster in the DMV area.
Beltway Plaza is in a weird transitional phase right now. It's caught between its 1960s discount-store roots and a future as a high-density "live-work-play" center. It’s not the prettiest place in Maryland, but it’s arguably one of the most important community anchors in Greenbelt.
Keep an eye on that northern parking lot. Once the shovels hit the dirt for those first 750 apartments, the version of the mall we know is going to change forever.
Next Steps for You: Check the Greenbelt City Council's public hearing schedule if you want to have a say in the Phase 2 residential designs. If you're just there for the shopping, sign up for the AMC Stubs program before your next visit to take advantage of those 2026 Popcorn Pass deals that just launched this month.