I had to look up and see how the mall near me growing up was doing. It was the first indoor mall - Southdale, near Minneapolis. In the article it said it is now competing with the nearby Mall of America (MOA).
But - Southdale is doing okay at 62 years olds.
It brought what sounds like part of the library system into the mall to increase traffic. The few folks visiting meant empty parking spots. So they used the outer parts of the parking lots and put up hotels and condos. So now instead of driving to the mall, they just walk over.
Of course in the article there wasn’t any mention of gangs or stuff. In that part of town, I’m guessing that they still aren’t much of a presence in the mall. I think they run a pretty tight ship. Plus, I think the gangs would be more likely over at the larger MOA which is also closer to the city.
Oh, and the article said that the food court was replaced with just one place - a restaurant and arcade type place. I imagine with it being under one management it can be less “open” to manage who gets in and out, and they can be more selective on who as well. They said that place was always busy.