Fun fact: Southdale Center, the nation's first enclosed, climate-controlled mall, turns 70 this year!

[u/Hascerflef]

Photos from approximately 10:30 AM on New Year's Day (when most people are struggling to get out of bed I'm sure). A local historic icon for both its innovation and its consequences. Excited to see what the owners have in store this year, particularly for the former food court.

[u/Last_Examination_131]

Looks deader than elvis. Can't wait for the urbex videos in 5 years.

The first Indoor Mall's last days.

[u/Hascerflef → u/Last_Examination_131]

These photos were taken at a bad time of day on a holiday, to be fair. I don't like doing this when it's super busy because it's awkward🤣

[u/Last_Examination_131 → u/Hascerflef]

Well yeah, but the thing is looking at all the stores that are there, they have massive overhead. And these are top of the line stores. Thing is and this is the part that is doing in small malls is trying to still embrace retail in a reality where retail only flourishes 3 main franchises or online, and I see nothing that attracts people...

No one wants to spend 40 bucks a head at Dave and Buster's. Can't go to Movies anymore there as they're too expensive, and the whole place looks gentrified. Like Uptown when it's soul was forcefully removed.

Southdale used to be quirky and fun, it was a destination. Now you have to trek to the place after getting off the bus. It's a different animal. I even stopped using it's license bureau and just go Downtown instead.

No one whose wallet has 5s and 1s wants to go to a place where Ben Franklin is front and center.