Maybe the location should be smart growth or new urbanism ? I walkable downtown with ground floor retail and upper floor residential. The parking hidden behind the buildings. At least an improved property with more grass and trees.
Mr. Pujol, another outstanding piece! It’s impossible not to admire your ability to find beauty in places most people would drive by without a second thought.
I remember going to this mall many times growing up. First memory of it was taking a walk in the empty parking lot as a young kid with mom and dad. It was empty as I think it was a Sunday after 5PM in 1982, so everything was closed by then in those days.
I do also remember at one point in the 1990s they started a parental escort policy (17 and under had to have a parent and guardian) Friday and Saturday nights, guess there was a lot of trouble brewing or something. I think I had turned 18 by that point, but still it didn’t feel as welcoming with that there.
Do remember many places there. There was a Giorgio’s place where mom liked to go eat. Brother’s Pizza was always good. Spent many tokens at Aladdin’s Castle, both in their first and second location where they moved in the mall. And Sea the Source, spent a good bit of time there. Lots of money spent on Magic: the Gathering there. I forget where they moved to, but Back to the Media was in their old space when I was there in 2017 to visit my son. Got out picture taken with Hacksaw Jim Duggan that day. Awesome guy.
Cluggy’s miniature golf had a spot inside for awhile in the ‘90s too. Not sure if they’re still around.
Last time I was there in 2019, mall was pretty dead. Just looked it up today and not surprised it’s permanently closed now. Kinda sad. Lots of memories there.
Quite an enjoyable read. Although I am not familiar with this particular Mall, it evokes memories of many Malls' we have all be in that are now long gone. Just remembering the names of the defunct stores you list, is like opening a time capsule from the past. Floods of memories come back. Thank you for that!
Maybe the location should be smart growth or new urbanism ? I walkable downtown with ground floor retail and upper floor residential. The parking hidden behind the buildings. At least an improved property with more grass and trees.
Certainly an interesting location to try this!
Mr. Pujol, another outstanding piece! It’s impossible not to admire your ability to find beauty in places most people would drive by without a second thought.
Thank you so much! Finding the beauty and the meaning in the overlooked and forgotten is what I try to do, so I really appreciate the comment.
Evocative and melancholy. I was in this mall a number of times when I worked in Harrisburg in the early 1990s.
Thanks so much Ted!
As an urban planner and reasonably local resident - this is a lovely piece with excellent photos. Thanks for the time spent on it.
Truly appreciate that!
I remember going to this mall many times growing up. First memory of it was taking a walk in the empty parking lot as a young kid with mom and dad. It was empty as I think it was a Sunday after 5PM in 1982, so everything was closed by then in those days.
I do also remember at one point in the 1990s they started a parental escort policy (17 and under had to have a parent and guardian) Friday and Saturday nights, guess there was a lot of trouble brewing or something. I think I had turned 18 by that point, but still it didn’t feel as welcoming with that there.
Do remember many places there. There was a Giorgio’s place where mom liked to go eat. Brother’s Pizza was always good. Spent many tokens at Aladdin’s Castle, both in their first and second location where they moved in the mall. And Sea the Source, spent a good bit of time there. Lots of money spent on Magic: the Gathering there. I forget where they moved to, but Back to the Media was in their old space when I was there in 2017 to visit my son. Got out picture taken with Hacksaw Jim Duggan that day. Awesome guy.
Cluggy’s miniature golf had a spot inside for awhile in the ‘90s too. Not sure if they’re still around.
Last time I was there in 2019, mall was pretty dead. Just looked it up today and not surprised it’s permanently closed now. Kinda sad. Lots of memories there.
Quite an enjoyable read. Although I am not familiar with this particular Mall, it evokes memories of many Malls' we have all be in that are now long gone. Just remembering the names of the defunct stores you list, is like opening a time capsule from the past. Floods of memories come back. Thank you for that!
Indeed, I know what you mean.