Epic Entertainment Opens at Northgate Mall — A Boost for Local Redevelopment

New adventure park aims to bring new life to the aging mall site

A fresh attraction is opening at Northgate Mall that locals hope will be a spark for future redevelopment of the property. Epic Entertainment, an indoor adventure park, is set to open early next week in the former Xscape Theatres space — a large section of the mall that has been mostly empty for years.

The $3 million renovation of this 58,000-square-foot space is the brainchild of brothers Alex and Rosham Patel, owners of Northgate Entertainment LLC. They bought the old cinema property for $1.8 million in December 2024 and have transformed it into a family fun destination.

Township leaders and community members say Epic Entertainment could be an important step toward breathing new life into the mall area — but much more work remains before a full redevelopment can happen.

Inside Epic Entertainment

Epic Entertainment promises a variety of fun attractions for families:

• Two-story rope course: Guests wear harnesses and tackle bridges and obstacles suspended above the ground.
• Multi-level go-kart track: Designed to make full use of the building’s high ceilings.
• Trampoline zones: Areas for basketball, dodgeball, and open play.
• Arcade machines: More than 50 games spread throughout the facility.
• Party rooms: Six separate spaces for private celebrations.

The park is primarily aimed at children ages 2-13, though visitors of all ages are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Prices will range from around $20 for a day pass for young children to $249 for annual memberships.

Owner Alex Patel said the park’s success will be measured in smiles, not just business, noting that he and his team worked long hours to build it from scratch.

What This Means for the Mall’s Future

Northgate Mall has struggled for years with low tenant occupancy and large vacant spaces. Much of the property is underused, and a former Sears store on the site has been nearly demolished as part of ongoing change.

Colerain Township officials see Epic Entertainment as a positive first step that could show outside developers there is still potential at Northgate. Township Development Director David Miller said the entertainment park creates a gathering space for families that the community has long wanted.

The larger vision for the site includes mixed-use development with housing, green space, dining spots, and other entertainment attractions, though no master developer has yet stepped forward to take on the full 60-acre property.

Miller also noted that a nearby 9-acre parcel is close to being sold to a new buyer, and the township is securing grants for a stormwater analysis to better plan future development.

Patel’s Plans Beyond Epic Entertainment

Patel hinted that this may be just the beginning. Within six months of opening, he hopes to expand with:

• Bowling facility
• Laser tag arena
• Restaurant with alcohol service (separate from the kids’ area)

He also mentioned that a mid-scale hotel could be built on part of the Northgate parking lot if the entertainment business proves successful.

Why This Matters

Northgate Mall — like many older mall properties across the U.S. — has struggled to stay relevant as retail patterns changed and anchor stores closed. Investing in entertainment and experiences is one strategy communities and developers are trying to make these large sites viable again.

Epic Entertainment’s opening shows that even long-vacant spaces can find new life with creativity and investment. Whether this will lead to broader redevelopment depends on future partnerships, community support, and economic conditions.

In Short

• Epic Entertainment opens next week at Northgate Mall as an indoor activity park.
• The investment brings new attractions that could draw families and visitors.
• Local leaders hope this sparks larger plans for mixed-use development.
• Future expansion and even a hotel are possible if the project succeeds.