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Local residents and observers note that the area has become increasingly desolate, with longstanding tenants like Kohl’s already having vacated. The Gateway Shopping Center, established in 1954 as a pioneering car-centric suburban mall, has suffered from these social issues, leading Fred Meyer to see little financial benefit in maintaining its presence there. The store’s closure marks a significant blow to the community, especially given its role as a staple in the neighborhood for decades.