Southern Park Mall owner no-shows for interview after promising to reassure public about plans

The man behind the company that purchased the Southern Park Mall in late 2024 has kept a low, even nonexistent, profile in the Mahoning Valley since the purchase.

Mike Kohan, CEO of Kohan Retail Investment Group, has not spoken to any media and has been criticized by county and Boardman township leaders for not returning calls or providing any assurances about his plans for the future of the mall.

21 News has chronicled the troubles Kohan has had in other markets around the country, ranging from unpaid taxes and utility bills to a loss of tenants and, in some cases, closures of the malls Kohan has purchased.

The lack of public reassurances has done little to quell fears that the Southern Park Mall could be in jeopardy after being acquired by Kohan, which is why 21 News has tried repeatedly to speak with Kohan.

On June 17, Kohan answered the phone for the first time for 21 News, promising that he intends to reassure the public. During that phone conversation, Kohan called Southern Park "a beautiful mall."

Saying he was too busy to give an interview to elaborate on his plans that day, Kohan committed to a one-on-one with 21 News for Thursday morning, promising to provide information about tenants moving in and his long-term commitment to the Valley.

However, at the time of the interview, Kohan did not join the Zoom. Repeated calls were made to his office and cell phones, as well as text messages and voicemails, none of which were returned.

After the first message on his cell, the calls began going to voicemail after just one ring, leading to a message saying his voicemail was full and could not accept new messages.

21 News has previously reported on Kohan's delinquent taxes at the Southern Park Mall, which until last week were up to half a million dollars, plus $50,000 in fees.

On Friday, June 13, Kohan made a partial payment, paying $481,267.34 on two of the mall's seven parcels, as well as penalties on one.

Another $510,284.73 will come due in August, in addition to the remaining unpaid bills.

Last month, KJRH in Oklahoma reported that the Promenade Mall in Tulsa was up for auction after Kohan had failed to pay taxes since 2021, but was pulled from the auction block at the last minute after Kohan paid some back taxes for the oldest year owed. According to that article, the mall would go back up for auction next year if Kohan doesn't pay for additional years.

Kohan began in 2022 owning 51 malls around the country. By the end of 2024, that number was down to 27.

Boardman township and Mahoning county elected officials have expressed frustration since Kohan took over the mall over lack of communication, even as they benefit from tax incentives and have a track record in other parts of the country of unpaid bills and mall closures.

21 News will continue to try to reach Kohan and will provide updates if and when they are available.