A New Chapter for Uptown Virginia

With Marshalls now open, familiar businesses continuing to serve the community, and years of redevelopment behind us, Uptown Virginia is looking ahead.

Uptown Virginia has been part of the Iron Range for more than 50 years. Over that time, the property has changed in many ways, welcoming new businesses and adapting to the needs of the communities it serves.

Today, another chapter is taking shape.

With the recent opening of Marshalls, continued improvements to the shopping destination, and a transition toward exterior-facing retail, Uptown Virginia is evolving while remaining a familiar place to shop, dine, and access everyday services.

Welcoming Marshalls to Virginia

On October 22, Marshalls officially opened its doors at Uptown Virginia, bringing another shopping option to the Iron Range.

The approximately 22,000-square-foot store offers brand-name and designer clothing, footwear, beauty products, accessories, home goods, and more. The retailer also announced plans to bring approximately 60 full- and part-time jobs to the area, along with a $10,000 contribution to a local charity in celebration of its opening.

Marshalls is the latest addition to a property that has seen years of retail redevelopment.

Years of progress, built through partnership

The opening of Marshalls follows a series of projects that have helped shape Uptown Virginia into the shopping destination it is today.

Through its redevelopment efforts, RockStep Capital has worked to bring retailers such as ALDI, Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight, and Hobby Lobby to the area. Nearby commercial developments involving Caribou Coffee, Verizon, and Taco Bell have also contributed to the growth of the surrounding retail district.

Much of this progress has been made possible through collaboration.

RockStep has worked alongside the City of Virginia and Minnesota’s Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), whose support through infrastructure, demolition, and redevelopment grant programs has helped prepare the property for new retail uses.

These partnerships have helped make improvements possible while supporting continued commercial activity in Virginia and the surrounding communities.

The result is a property that has continued to change over time, with familiar businesses, new additions, and a different approach to how customers access their stores.

What’s changing on October 31?

As part of the transition to an exterior-facing shopping center, Uptown Virginia’s interior mall concourse will permanently close on October 31, 2026.

We understand that the interior has been part of the community’s routine for many years. For some, it has been a familiar place to walk, gather, or spend time during Northern Minnesota’s colder months. That history matters, and we recognize that this is a significant change.

At the same time, the way people shop has evolved. Many customers prefer the convenience of parking near the store they plan to visit and entering directly, while retailers increasingly operate in spaces designed around exterior access.

The next chapter of Uptown Virginia reflects those changing preferences.

Importantly, the permanent interior concourse closure does not mean that Uptown Virginia’s exterior-facing businesses are closing.

Still open and ready to welcome you

Customers can continue visiting these businesses and services through their exterior entrances:

And, of course, Marshalls has joined the shopping destination.

Each business operates with its own schedule, so we encourage customers to check individual store hours before visiting.

Businesses that operated exclusively from the interior concourse are making their own arrangements as the transition approaches. Some have secured locations elsewhere in the community. Customers should contact individual businesses directly for the latest information about their operations or relocation plans.

Continuing to serve the Iron Range

Since 1971, Uptown Virginia has been a part of the community’s retail landscape.

Its appearance and shopping format may change, but the property continues to serve an important role in Virginia and the surrounding area.

We appreciate the residents, customers, businesses, and community partners who have been part of Uptown Virginia’s story over the years.

We look forward to welcoming you through the doors of the stores and services that continue to call the shopping destination home.

For store information and future updates, visit our store directory or follow Uptown Virginia on Facebook.

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