DEAD MALL - COURTLAND CENTER MALL - FLINT MICHIGAN - A VINTAGE MALL IN A TOWN FULL OF BLIGHT

[@micahwatz1148]

Everytime i see these mall videos it makes me glad that our local mall is still thriving. Its absolutely packed every weekend

[@DrownInLysergic]

Both this one and the Genesee Valley mall in flint are dead

[@alexlim1275]

what mall is that?

[@sagedrummer]

The malls in Los Angeles are doing very well.

[@coreycoyle9548]

Wonderful Video!!!!! I Love the Fountain!!!! F+L, Corey

[@missybaker1608]

Wow! COURTLAND CENTER! BURTON, MI. OPEN IN 1967? THEY HAVE MAINTAINED IT WELL!!! MY FAVORITE STORE FRONT IS THE MARBLE ONE!!!! SOME PICS IN THE BEGINNING TELL ME. CROWLEY'S OPENING ANCHOR. LOVE THE CEILING! My favorite is the original fountain still running all these years!!!! The Dort Mall looks like vintage '60's. All the metal and glass store fronts KEPT UP BEAUTIFULLY. Congratualations on your new baby!!!! I can't wait to see new content!!!

[@gwenny3080]

For ypur bonus content: Where the big mostly white dort mall sign sits (which is nothing more than a wrap around an old aquarium), that is a sealed entrance to the downstairs restroom and former night club known as the Light. People use to use those restrooms from the theater. The former theater booth was the security off area. The white wall sticking out by the BBQ place (formerly Star Bros. Coney Islland) use to house PO Boxes. The downstairs area you showed was at one point Mr. David's cosmetology school.

[@TenPoundHammer]

My grandfather was a construction worker at this mall. My uncle and aunt both got their first jobs here (janitor and Carousel Hot Dogs, respectively). Even in the late 90s I could tell Courtland was going downhill. It hadn't been renovated in ages, most of the storefronts looked dated, and it had very few options for clothing. I think it didn't help that Burton never really took off as a suburb and is still pretty thinly populated. Also, I-69 was not completed out to Port Huron until the late 80s, limiting accessibility. The original anchors were Woolco, the Fair, and Federal's, as you said. There were both A&P and Kroger on either side of the main entrance, and a Walgreens (later Perry Drug) in the Woolco wing. A&P later became Jo-Ann Fabrics, while Kroger moved and became Duff's Smorgasbord, then Old Country Buffet. Federal's sold most of their locations to Robert Hall Village in the late 70s. That didn't last long, and it became JCPenney by 1980. Woolco on the east end closed in 1983 with the chain, and was split up in 1986 between Crowley's and additional mall stores such as the Limited, B. Dalton, and Foot Locker. The mall was renamed in 1986 when Forest City held a renaming competition to coincide with a renovation of the mall and the opening of Crowley's. Before the rename, the mall had a perception as being lower-end than Genesee Valley, and bringing in Crowley's was part of an attempt to turn the mall's image around. The name is derived from the fact that it's at the corner of Center Road and Court Street. By the end of the 80s, the Fair sold their location at the mall to Mervyn's. JCPenney later took over the Perry Drug and what I believe was a Seifert's clothing store across from it for additional retail space, meaning they occupied three non-contiguous spaces in the mall. When Crowley's went out of business, half of their store became Old Navy, although it didn't open out to the mall. Old Navy moved into the mall a few years later, taking out Record Town and Payless, but they soon became Planet Fitness. The previous Old Navy became Staples, the other half of Crowley's became a relocated Jo-Ann Fabrics (their old location is now Dollar & Party, a Party City knockoff), and most of the smaller mall shops created by carving up the former Woolco were consolidated into Dunham's. When Mervyn's closed, JCPenney moved into that space and slightly expanded it, closing their two supplementary stores in the process. The former JCPenney became a Steve & Barry's that only lasted about six months, then a short-lived museum, before becoming vacant again. The former Perry Drug/JCPenney supplementary space is now Goodwill. Staples closed I believe last year, and is now Ross Dress for Less. The area around the mall has been a retail dead zone for years after Target and two supermarkets closed, but things are starting to bounce back as these spaces are filling back up again. So there may be hope yet for this mall.

[@DrownInLysergic]

I miss Old Country Buffet. Used to eat there all the time many years ago.

[@TofersCarTales]

Awesome work as always but my jaw dropped at 08:37 when I saw that 70's vintage pace car! I want that!

[@ace34473]

The local museum was using that part of the mall till the local renovation was done. I haven't been in there for about a year so I guess they haven't moved all the cars yet.

[@davebruins8623]

Wow loving seeing these old malls that are frozen in time.....what a trip!

[@peterstean2138]

This was a depressing one, but amazing to see a fully working fountain and a 1970s-style conversation pit.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Great mall though

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Hi 👋 Anthony… love the fountain! Our malls are still going pretty good here in Washington

[@PinetopJackson2]

Very well produced video, Ace! The intro, with that pumping 80s-style music…very strong

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Agreed

[@chris2pher615]

Yo Anthony! You have some of the best Content. Music, Shots, Information, etc. Keep it up Bro. You got a fan for life here. Thanks for finding your niche and giving it all you got! Respect.

[@cathynagy7033]

Spent countless hours here growing up in Goodrich. This was always our "quick" shopping mall and if we were going to spend the day shopping, we would head over to The Valley. Nice touch with Tiffany and Ready For The World playing in the background ❤ I remember every inch if this place ❤

[@sdnelson0708]

I have so many memories going here as a child! We would eat at the Sbarro's almost every time. My most distinct memory was these giant animatronic bears that they would put out around the holidays that sang and moved and were creepy! Thank you for visiting this one especially since I don't live in the state anymore to see it myself.

[@DrownInLysergic]

I remember the animatronic bears!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

@@DrownInLysergic yes those things are creepy, we had them at a pizza place here in Washington

[@nategreatgames78]

The building is in a lot better shape than the genesee valley mall on the other side of town. But walking around in there with literally nothing open on the inside except 1 clothing store and the few anchors that don’t even use their mall entrances really takes you aback. I remember being a kid going there during the holiday and remember it being so crowded I got anxiety and I had to find an empty corner to go into to calm down. Used to love going there and checking out the Kay Bee Toys that was down near the entrance where the closed movie theater is now. And hanging out most of the day in the Aladdin’s castle near the main entrance where the Mexican restaurant is now.

[@BuffaloChicken]

Thanks Ace! Love your videos, Go Bills!

[@robertmailhos8159]

Glad to see that fountain is still working ACE

[@pamelaaverrett5848]

Intro music a whole mood . Perfection!

[@lawnmowerman2199]

I was thinking the exact same thing! What song and group is it any ideas??

[@CaptFwiffo]

@@lawnmowerman2199 Night Walk - Bihler

[@pamelaaverrett5848]

@@lawnmowerman2199 I don’t think I’ve ever heard it before….

[@ricks.1609]

Loved coming here as a kid

[@ricks.1609]

The amount of Pennie’s I dropped in that fountain lol

[@Pauls.Malls84]

Great video. My brother used to live in Flint, so even now I still try to visit the area at least once a year. Courtland especially, it reminds me of Universal Mall in Warren, near Detroit, which closed/converted around 2008.

[@suec7314]

I have fond childhood memories of both these malls. I got my ears pierced there on my 10th birthday, back when it was still called Eastland. I don’t remember which store, I’m thinking it was Merle Normans. Then we ate at Big Boy that was in there for a while. This mall had cool holiday displays including a Christmas train and an Easter train kids could ride on. The Dort mall was always “questionable” even when I was a kid. Those from the area know Dort highway has been the “red light district” since the beginning of time. There was a “sears surplus” store (outlet type store) at the end of Dort mall that my folks like to rummage through so if they were going there then they would let me go to Paradise express to buy Lisa Frank stickers. It was also a good place to get concert tshirts.

[@NihilusShadow]

I miss this mall so much. I have fond memories of going to KB Toys and the B. Dalton Book Store. Two of my favorite places. I remember when there used to be a Big Boy restaurant right in the mall.

[@Neznut]

Congratulations Papa and Mrs.Ace!! I hope you have an easy delivery and a super healthy Little Ace 🤗

[@AcesAdventures1]

Thank you :)

[@NickLoner]

I spent a lot of time at Courtland growing up in the 90s and early 2000s. I'd spend hours in Record Town, KB Toys and B. Dalton book store. It's sad to see it in it's current state. The Dort Mall never had much in it, even when I was a kid. I did go there for Paradise Express that sold band t-shirts and weed paraphernalia. It was the coolest store in town lol Thanks for the upload!

[@Itsmamahaze]

Loved this! Grew up shopping here with my family. I’m still in Burton! - congratulations on your new baby coming soon!

[@screechman1]

The reason for the unremarkable name change done in 87’ isn’t known to me but “Courtland Center” seems to be a play on words from its location in Burton, MI. It’s on the intersection of Court and Center Streets. I lived in the area for about 10 years in the 90’s-early 2000’s.

[@KittiesGalore]

@@screechman1 HA! I had never put that together before! Lol

[@nategreatgames78]

That’s exactly why they changed the name.

[@candievermeulen9858]

That mall has a water fountain nice job still love all your videos

[@cgimovieman]

Grew up in Michigan until I was 19. Michigan had so many great malls. I didn’t live near Flint, so this wasn’t one of my malls, but it reminds me of some others in the state. Pains me to see them this way, empty, almost abandoned, hardly any store slots filled. I can still picture how they all were in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. It was so cool any time of the year, but especially around the holidays. My main malls, that were still 45 and 1 hour 15 minutes away, were the Midland Mall and the Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw. I was at the Midland Mall opening week in 1991. Wow was that place amazing in its first few years. Like a theme park or something from a much bigger city for the relatively small Midland area. Wish I could go back and spend a week at any of these malls around that time again.

[@BollingHolt]

Oh wow. That opening music was scary! 😎

[@danielgyllenbreider]

Thank you!

[@AcesAdventures1]

You're welcome!

[@pdxaviation]

Sad to see so many malls like this.

[@davew2theoodward]

I’m so glad to see you cover another mall in Michigan. Always hoping to run into someday as I am still a mall rat around the metro Detroit area. I’d be interested in seeing you cover Fairlane Mall, Southland Mall or Mall of Monroe if you’re ever out here again.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Or Hampton Towne Centre 🙃

[@michaelfreydberg4619]

Hearing that music in the background (Tiffany) is very haunting. 😮

[@ret5343]

great vid!

[@julianeobrien288]

Somebody is still taking good care of those live tropical plants. 💚

[@stevieo4831]

Its not an abandoned mall. There are at least a dozen stores and restaurants that use this mall but have ourside entrances. Sloan museum was housed here for awhile temporarily also. It is a maintained mall.

[@starmanDNF]

Used to go here as a kid for Sbarro's and the arcade. God how time flies...

[@JanieBeth64]

It's sad to think that the kids growing up these days won't have the same mall experiences I did here as a young teen. (early 80's on) walking around and hanging out with friends, talking about school and boys (and checking them out at "the mall") 😄 and shopping leisurely, munching on a treat from one of the many treat shops or going to see the latest movies. I worked a couple different kiosks there in my young adult years as well. (early 90's). Growing up we didn't have a lot of money to spend, because we were kids, but it was fun to go and window shop and make out your Christmas Wish List 🎄or pick out gifts for your family without them seeing you. 🎁 We weren't walking around blindly staring down at a phone, because we didn't have them back then and we enjoyed each other's company and time together as friends.

[@samrulez06]

This was one of my childhood malls growing up. Last time I was there was probably around 2007 or 2008 maybe. I remember as a kid going to the vaccination clinics they would hold in the mall in the food court area... yeesh.

[@Mom2my4blessings]

Wow this mall is retro! Did I see Run DMC stickers? That old car is cool. It’s nice to see the fountain running. I wonder if malls will make a comeback. Surprisingly records or vinyls as my son calls them made a comeback which is crazy with digital music available. The ceiling in the Dort Mall was so neat. Great video Ace!

[@MrSzero13]

Wow awesome cover of the mall :) i still live down the road near home depot lol, i remember as a kid this mall was the PLACE TO BE !!!! it had an amazing arcade Aladdin's, also my mom was the head manager of Jcpenny at the time, also then the jcpenny was where the planet fitness is now, i used to be here daily for 3 to 7 hrs a day ..oo and they had a big boy inside the mall too ugh it was great this mall had everything then :( sadly is is going into its hibernation .... still has good bones

[@AngieHarding-k5j]

The garden pieces are the most alive things in that liitle dead mall ...also its very clean and well maintained.... Seems like a nice place if you wanted some peace and quiet and a place to chill for a bit

[@seabee73]

I like the brick work in the courtland mall. I can't believe the fountain was still working. The dort mall was a nice extra. Thanks.

[@bwolfe2559]

Its called Courtland center because it set on the corner of court st. And center rd.

[@stevieo4831]

There are a lot of actively busy stores and restaurants that use this mall, just the outside entrances. You want a dead mall, go to Genesee Valley!

[@nategreatgames78]

There is more open in Genese valley than courtland,(it is a lot larger). Inside Courtland I believe there is one clothing store with weird hours, Bath and Bodywork’s and the Mexican restaurant. And then you have JC Penney (for who knows how much longer), planet Fitness, Dunham’s, Magoo’s pet supply and GoodWill as anchor stores and they don’t even use their mall entrance anymore. There used to be a staples up there but that closed. Macy’s and JcPenny are the main anchors at the Valley and those wings of the mall is where many of the stores that are still left have migrated to. It’s quite a bit more active than Courtland.

[@thecoachhubbard]

It use to be called Eastland Mall. It's was sold, remodel and the name was changed to Courtland Center. They came up with the because it sits on the corner of Court and Center Roads.

[@nategreatgames78]

Yep, I remember my mom calling it that when we first started going there and remember when they changed the signs and started calling it courtland center, my sisters and I would sing the courland center song when we’d ride up there in my moms 83 station wagon.

[@DrownInLysergic]

The movie theater was the best. Used to have $5 Wednesday movies and I got to see Captain America Civil War with just me and my girlfriend in a totally empty theater. It was about 2 weeks after the initial release and it was awesome, especially because it allowed my girlfriend to ask me questions during the movie because we were alone, and only paid $10. Good times.

[@paulbigsby2387]

My wife and I grew up in Burton in the 70’s and 80’s. We remember when Courtland Center was fully staffed with stores and was always busy. We only ever visit the satellite stores like Joann’s now. It’s sad to see a once popular place looking so empty. But that just shows how much society has changed.

[@wtflolomg]

Courtland Center used to be Eastland Mall. Dort Mall used to be "The Small Mall". I didn't recognize your footage of the Dort Mall, as the last time I was there it was filled with Bob Perani's various crazy memorabilia, like full sized Star Wars characters and airplanes. As for Courtland... I remember going to see Bladerunner when it came out at their cinema, and spent a lot of time at the arcade that used to be in the center-front of the mall. There are few reasons to go to the malls anymore. No arcades, no decent book stores...

[@Under_And_Over_It]

Spent my childhood up until my late 20's here. It's unfortunate to see all these malls closing up shop. The era of going out to shop is slowly disappearing.

[@steveb78]

I barely remember the last days of Woolco. After it closed, they took a chunk of it and added a few new stores to that wing, including B Dalton Booksellers, and the rest became Crowley's.

[@810craig2]

I remember sitting on that brick as a kid looking at the game I just bought from the game store

[@BrushpointJ]

Grew up a few minutes from this mall. The mexican resaurant El Cozumel here was an absolute staple! I don't live in the area any more, but I hear that at least El Cozumel is still up and running today, at least!

[@nategreatgames78]

Before they were there that’s where Aladdin’s castle arcade was, I spent most of my childhood hanging out in there.

[@KittiesGalore]

Congrats on your soon to be baby! 👶 I lived in the Flint area in the VERY early 2000's( female, 20 yrs old at the time). Thanks for jogging my memory about this place! Sad to see it in it's current state. Talk about your liminal, backrooms-esque spaces! Is Genesee Valley still around, or have they also gone by the wayside? I haven't been back to the Flint area since the day I left 22 years ago

[@dannyd8625]

Genesee Valley is still standing. So I guess it's around in that sense. The place is dangerous though. I think there's still a Planet Fitness in it. A few years ago I had a route where I went by there daily. Frequently I'd see cops, like 4 cars or so- arresting someone. Genesee Valley is owned by some private equity company in New York. I forget the name of them, but they're essentially Mall Slumlords around the country. They have approx 100 malls in various states of disrepair.

[@KittiesGalore]

@dannyd8625 Oh, wow. That place used to be pretty nice. Such a shame it fell into disrepair. Guess I'll know where NOT to go if when return to visit family in the Flint area 😞

[@nategreatgames78]

Some of the stuff that’s happened up there in recent years have been overblown, and it’s been targeted hard by theft rings like many malls across the country, but I wouldn’t call it dangerous. But the building itself is in rough shape. I remember how pristine and cutting edge that mall was at one point. Now it has deteriorated greatly. Several pipes and mains have burst around the building causing tons of water damage. Lighting is terrible, I think the had to quarantine part of the food court after Covid. Food court is completely empty now and you aren’t allowed to really go up there any more, they shut off the elevator and blocked the escalators.

[@BubblyBlackbird]

I'm a local! It's called Courtland Center because it's on the corner of Court Street and Center Road. Not sure what prompted them to rename it in the first place, but that's why they chose the name Courtland Center!

[@MrDan708]

8:15 Looks like a few of those candy dispensers were swiped? Nice video, Anthony. At first, I thought I missed a premiere, but this looks like a straight upload.

[@Murrlin27]

Congrats in advance, sir!

[@DrTopGun]

Hooooaaah!!! Oops,military stuff.... Ahem, Buddy, don't you worry, do your best, and remember family comes first- ALWAYS... Repeat- FAMILY ALWAYS- I will be here waiting for your fascinating and intriguing documentaries of Deadmalls. Hoooaah!!! Again- Anyways, again, Hooooaaah!!! Keep up it up!!! Hoooaah!!! 😁🤜🤛🤙🖖

[@monasmith2910]

I dunno if you’d ever go to Florida, but I’ve heard that the Boynton Beach Mall is set to be razed. Congrats on the baby!

[@darincampbell467]

There was contest many years ago to name the mall, now Courtland Center! I believe that a woman won because she came up with the name because of it’s location- the corner of Court Street and Center Road. Thus, Courtland Center was chosen. I think that she won $500. It is sad to see it today. I remember how busy it used to be. It was really nice back then! Peace.

[@WhittyPics]

It looks well maintained for as dead as it is.

[@nategreatgames78]

Far better shape than the Genesee Valley Mall.

[@robertmiller2104]

My weekend is fulfilled now

[@theemagicalgurl]

Good luck with everything, Anthony.

[@SuperBuickregal]

Thanks and Keep em Rolling!

[@AcesAdventures1]

Wow ty again!!!

[@OriginalNethead]

AHa video homage for the win! The filter works with all the 80s music in the background. (that's Tiffany at 10:00 - fitting since she got her start singing in shopping malls in the 80s. No lie.) The candy machines are still there. I see three open stores, but also last year's fake pointsettias with the working fountain. Was any of it, other than the obvious Planet Fitness, open from the outide?

[@cerberusadventures4319]

Funny thing is, in Montreal, Quebec. They are still building new malls which tend to be very busy. I think part of the reason why is it is a larger city and amazon is not as big there. I just visited. It was funny because they had this slide that goes from the 2nd floor to the first that all these grown men were riding on and giggling as they went down. 😂 good times 😊

[@misterhobson]

I just shopped at JC Penney in there a couple months ago. Its not dead but it is on life support. Ive lived within 3 miles of this mall my entirr life.

[@CodingButter]

I used to work at RadioShack there.. Not sure why they changed the name but I'm pretty sure "Courtland Center" is simply a play on the fact that it's located at the corner of Court and Center road. I used to go there all the time as a kid. Sat on a few mall Santa's there throughout the years.

[@thegreatwolf14]

ive been in that mall before! however you should see the Genesee Valley Mall. RIP

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Family ☝🏼 baby 😁❤️

[@bcschoening]

I drive by this mall every day on my way to and from work.

[@davidmoore6329]

Can't remember the "why" for the name change to Courtland Center, but it's a play on words as the location is at the intersection of Court and Center roads.

[@POSTAPRILSIXTH]

Congratulations on becoming the soon to be. Father of a newborn baby BOY.

[@IzBirch]

I used to go here all the time

[@tubadawgedwards6831]

Back since 2021, I'd use to ride my bike to visit this mall.

[@TimEssDub]

4:50 El Cozumel is relocating from this mall to its own building a few miles to the east near Davison.

[@bwolfe2559]

The two pits where people sit used to be the deep part of the fountains it also had water flowing under parts of the floor but that was back in the 70s

[@lawnmowerman2199]

PLEASE Share what is the song/music/group playing in the background of your video? It’s simply beautiful!!!

[@CaptFwiffo]

Night Walk - Bihler

[@boofinboofin]

I used to go to this mall in the early 2000's still live near here to this day it's weird going in here now there used to be a cool arcade and even a McDonald's in here used to hang out after school

[@boofinboofin]

The cinema was nice too also had a Steve and berry's

[@boofinboofin]

I'm assuming the name change was because it's on court street maybe not for sure

[@CodemanCozy]

I went to that mall ever since I was little lol

[@zachzintel3408]

This was the East Land Mall when I was a kid in the 80s. I'm not sure why they changed the name, but it's called Courtland Center because it's on the corner of Court St. and Center Rd.

[@HonEbaby143]

Why is the fountain still running? 🤔

[@BGNOLA]

15:10 this is killing malls as much as anything else

[@justingardner7927]

Flint resident. Genesee valley center is not much better off

[@bobbiejostowe6431]

Congratulations on being a dad

[@Realdealrob]

Congrats for about to be a father

[@Ray-ci5re]

Keep doing malls but also do some abandoned neighborhoods.

[@SuperBuickregal]

Your B roll intros are fantastic of the Sky Lights and Fountains of these places with the music, panning, zooming and the rotational shots. Beaver Valley and Ashtabula Malls are some of your best work!

[@adamv242]

Things were better, in the past.

[@AydenTaub]

You need to get up to signal hill mall one last time to see all the interior demolition that they did

[@courtlandbrugger6770]

A mall with the same name as mine. Who would've thought? 😊

[@Akimikinaak]

My buddy did maintenance there they had alot of issues with their watermain. Court and center road I always assumed why it was named that

[@bobbiroberts]

Hi ace

[@Radagast49230]

yeah at this point there aren't a lot of malls left to do programs on. They're all dying fast now.

[@danielhedrick5886]

Blue ridge mall was torn down and a monster sized Walmart was built there at the area where kcmo raytown and independence police converge.

[@Withnail1969]

A working fountain even. Don't see that very often.

[@ace34473]

That's like 10 minutes from my house. It's sad that the movie theater didn't survive the pandemic. The dort mall looks funny without all the old nicknacks and the dr Doolittle prop in there

[@djsdjs856]

It's named so because it's on Court St. And Center Rd. Dunno why they changed it, but now you know

[@donnasherba2790]

Mall are a thing of the past

[@nategreatgames78]

When I walk around a mall like this after I go through the nostalgia, that’s where my thoughts inevitably end up. The world has change, everything serves its purpose until it becomes obsolete or unnecessary and though there are still mall across the country thriving that’s the reality. At the peak of most of these malls most homes didn’t even have a PC or internet. And a smartphone wasn’t even something people envisioned. We didn’t have the multi channel logistics and networks we have now to distribute mass goods as fast as we can now. People had no way to shop except to drive down to a retailer and there was strength in having several retailers in one hub so you wouldn’t have to go to multiple destinations. Now sadly malls aren’t needed like they use to be.

[@duanemosher8798]

This mall is on the corner of Court St and Center Rd. Thus Courtland Center.

[@Steve.Cutler]

How do malls like this even keep the lights on?

[@DrBeefy]

To be honest it seems like this is slightly upkept better than the valley is now