DEAD MALL - SIGNAL HILL MALL - STATESVILLE NC - A RARE 70s TIME CAPSULE

DEAD MALL - SIGNAL HILL MALL - STATESVILLE NC - A RARE 70s TIME CAPSULE

[@CoolCatProductions-365]

This mall is one of those more rare/unique dead malls that you cannot really find anywhere else. It is very eery how the mall is this empty and still open. Great video Ace!

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

This mall is absolutely amazing! I went there a week after Wallie last year. I opened the door to enter and got blasted in the face with mold. The maintenance guy was taking great care of the place but the poor man has to be sick from breathing in that air all day. Hyped to see this video!!! Also, the shopping center down the hill with the old JR outlet was condemned, the shady hotel looked like the sign should have said “crime and drugs here”… very sad.

[@AcesAdventures1]

it is pretty awesome

[@pepsi_man4962]

@@AcesAdventures1 hey Ace, can you do the Boulevard mall in Buffalo? I loved that mall but now it isn’t the same. I love your channel btw brother!!👍

[@juliehoot3916]

So sad. I miss Sears, JCP, Kmart. I wish all malls could be thriving. 😞

[@russcannon6725]

It's partly because of Sears and JC Penney that some of these malls are so close to closure. So many malls were anchored by both that the loss of one or both is devastating. Without strong anchors, the smaller merchants can't survive.

[@stphinkle]

That mall could have potential for repurposing if a new roof were put on, the mold removed, and bringing in some new tenants. It is a vintage gem.

[@mollyprichard7837]

I would go to this mall all the time as a kid. Especially to get ice cream from sweet n nutty. It has so much potential to be a great mall but they won’t remodel it and make it better because of the neighboring hotel. 😞

[@kevinstatz]

Super cool aesthetic in there with the planters and fountains. Sad to see it empty though.

[@AcesAdventures1]

it's almost toast

[@MJA5]

Have you ever thought that the remaining malls might start to become more interesting because of their obscurity? Maybe they would ironically become more visited due to not only their decline, but their persistence. The thing I find cool about these places are the way they are stuck in time, and also the lingering calm. It's a strange sensation but explains, I think, the curiosity and interest in these places. They were a cultural bellwether and have almost become revered.

[@icanseewhytheyhateus]

dont worry, the people who run the mall will actively find ways to ruin that idea you have

[@deleteduser7940]

It hurts so much to see what is happening to these places. It's a darn shame. Keep up the awesome documentation work!

[@AcesAdventures1]

Tyy

[@NightSprinter]

Thank You For Bein' A Friend, Betty..

[@TheNewgreatlife]

It's beautiful how universally loved and almost omnipresent The Golden Girls are! In this video, I got two of my favorite things all wrapped up into one! lol Although dated, this mall has a beautiful aesthetic to me. Even for such a small mall, the unique touches make it feel grander in comparison to other malls similar in size. If this wasn't a dead mall, it would be a pretty nice small shopping experience that I definitely wouldn't mind spending my money at! Our small Hull Storey Gibson-owned mall here in South Georgia have no character or charm about them at all, on top of being small and boring. Belk is the main thing that keeps a lot of these small-town malls open, but the shopping experience of the malls themselves is basically non-existent.

[@jerrysanders9101]

Anthony does a great job.. much appreciated.

[@chrislemaster2695]

The Golden Girls Theme 1985

[@AcesAdventures1]

abssolutely

[@curtg7396]

@@AcesAdventures1 i like the music in your videos,it adds a lot to the feel.Do you have to pay to use it,or does KZbin just not allow the vid to be monetized?

[@dzsfarm]

Happy to hear you're back and even happier to hear there's a little Ace or Acess on the way!

[@adamfrench8735]

When I moved to Statesville in 2003 the mall was actually busy on the weekends. But it slowly got slower as the years went and stored closed.

[@TechStuff1]

I’ve noticed that current Bath & Body Works always looks fully stocked-up, like as if they are ready for Black Friday 1997.

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

The Bath and Body Works showing in this video closed back in April of 2021. Anthony must have filmed this one before Wallie visited, because the week after Wallie filmed the store shut down.

[@sidoniesera]

Great video. Looking forward to everything coming up on this channel in 2022!

[@AcesAdventures1]

A LOT of good stuff

[@davebruins8623]

Wow....what a trip......like stepping back in time

[@JessieCarty]

I've lived about an hour from this mall for a LONG time and had not even heard of it until.you did the first video. Thanks for visiting!

[@AcesAdventures1]

Np!

[@Deadwrongallalong]

What a rare find! I was so nervous when you were walking around in the dark abandoned Sears lol this probably would have been a nice little shopping centre back in the day

[@AcesAdventures1]

It was a little creepy

[@BDBD16]

Nice nod to Betty White R.I.P.

[@brandonkock]

Thanks for being a friend!

[@fataudra7579]

Betty White SHOULD HAVE turned 100 years old today 😭

[@AcesAdventures1]

I know so sad

[@jwrkn32]

Been watching for years sad that the mall Era is going away so fast

[@chm9935]

Not many thriving malls will be left

[@margaretliston8950]

All those old machines are so cool!!!!!

[@candievermeulen9858]

Very nice footage a beautiful unique mall

[@Allthingshotels]

Ah yes a dead mall staple..bath and body works

[@afterburner119]

I also have an affinity for dead malls/dead retail/ defunct corporations. Love the videos, and congratulations on the sponsors, you deserve it. Two gems that were near me are the Manufacturers Outlet Center (Russel way back in the 80’s), as well as the orange blossom mall, both of which are in Fort Pierce (FL). Always great stuff Ace

[@jacoblewis1242]

Dorothy Blanche and Rose would be very depressed not to mention Stanley he used to buy all his hair toupees at this mall . The Eastridge mall in San Jose opened in 1971 I was 16 years old when it opened. I wish I could see how it is doing. I live a hundred and fifteen miles away away from it. It had good memories because my mom and dad was alive back then. Thank you for the video.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Really? Lol

[@gordontaylor2815]

I believe another dead mall channel - Retail Archaeology - has done a video in the past on the Eastridge Mall of San Jose.

[@jacoblewis1242]

@@gordontaylor2815 okay thank you.

[@ashitomarisu]

Did I just hear Laurel Mall?! Nice shoutout to my local mall.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Laurel Mall rocks

[@jeffarmstrong3519]

This was an awesome mall, just like what I remember as a kid. The part at the end was incredible and brought me into the moment, it was definitely worth a second visit.

[@johnathantalley3169]

Had a lot of great times in that mall as a kid and teenager!!! Used to love KB toys, the music store and the book store!!!

[@AcesAdventures1]

Love KB

[@andytaylor5476]

What a beautiful space! Love the lines, light, plants, sun roof, fountains. Sad it's not thriving.

[@Steven-op4jw]

Hey, Man!! I love your videos. If you're ever back in Alabama, The Brookwood Village Mall in Mountain Brook is basically flatlining. It was home to the oldest Chic-Fil-A in the state, and was host to plenty of festivals. It's really the only place that took a knockout blow by COVID-19. And it's a testament to how the Riverchase Galleria is becoming the only mall in BHM...

[@AcesAdventures1]

Ok cool

[@brentcampbell9931]

It brings back so many memories from the late nineties and early two thousands. Thanks for what you do.

[@scarwiddow]

The two biggest reasons for years now for visiting this mall was to use it for walking exercise and IHOP. There's been rumors for years that the owners would eventually tear it down and rebuild including the outdoor mall space next door also. I wonder if covid has messed with that plan. Statesville is in Iredell County. This mall is the only indoor mall there is. Statesville deserves to have this mall come back to life.

[@susanholbrook4185]

My mall of long ago. I cannot believe that I came up on this. It was smaller then the huge malls of bigger cities but we loved it.

[@desireandfire]

They're gonna build multi-use development with a bunch of shops and apartments above. I think it's a great idea because I'd love to live in a multi-use complex and have enjoyed every single one that I've been to. So glad the US is catching on what's so prevalent already in Europe

[@Harleychamp8]

As some one who grew up going to this mall all the time and watching it decline is hurts my heart but seeing you go through it and seeing everyone enjoy it gives me hope. What i woudlent give to take my future kids to this mall like mine did me

[@trentonjennings9105]

I have so many fond memories of malls. You would have to be middle-aged to understand. They were exciting and crowded places to Christmas shop. There was the treat of eating out (not so frequent in the 70's and 80's for many) and just people watching. I would detach from my parents and visit two stores in particular - sporting goods and the bookstore. I liked books, but sometimes there would be an unwrapped Playboy (or Penthouse) on the magazine rack. Then when I began working, my job was "in the field," so after an inspection I might stop off at a mall for a leisurely break and lunch. The "Muzak" (aka elevator music) was actually very soothing - Chuck Mangione would be an example. I also inspected quite a few malls on my job. I remember Baskin-Robbins, Cinabon, Chick-fil-A, Radio Shack with computers showing off their graphics using a screen saver. Heck, I remember the ping-pong game on a very early personal computer in a Sears store. The Sears and other department stores tv department would have dozens of televisions on at once so you could judge the picture quality. Yes, Belk was a southern store. I also remember Riches and unrelated Richway. And Service Merchandise. I have only a vague recollection of GTX (Government Exchange) which initially was only for service members. I remember the popcorn wagon in the entrance and the intoxicating aroma, but not being able to have any (money was tight back then). Some of the anchor stores at a mall had a nut roasting station which also sold itself by the wonderful aroma. There was usually a candy counter at or near the nuts. So many memories, I could go on...

[@JonathanKine]

Wow a Radio Shack and Bath and Body.. retro

[@AcesAdventures1]

RIP Radioshack

[@_Johnspike_]

WOW! Creepy but cool at the same time. I may make a stop by there this week, hopefully the Mall will be opened to walk through, according to online it it still is opened. Great job on documenting this blast from the past 🤘.

[@ret5343]

Great stuff!

[@s70driver2005]

Also loving this style of video. The in the moment reactions are golden!!!

[@AcesAdventures1]

More new things coming

[@ksbs2036]

Nice job Anthony. Always nice to recapture these small glimpses of our youth

[@dubdaze68]

That shot of you had a very original "Dawn Of The Dead" feel.

[@blipblip88]

It's nice that they care for the plants.

[@toro8star]

I could just imagine people walking in the mall wearing bell bottoms and shopping!!!😁😁 Great video!!!

[@AcesAdventures1]

Ty

[@FlizzyFluff]

Cool been here many times when it was actually open bought many a school clothes & shoe lists for the kids it’s sad to see it all shut and empty 😢

[@naziroddinkazi2978]

Love the architecture of this mall

[@AJ-bp9th]

Nice video as usual! That mall reminds me of the Schyulkill Mall in Frackville, PA…

[@AcesAdventures1]

Sorta lol

[@OriginalNethead]

Couldn't help but grin like a fiend to the intro music. It's classic that the B&BW is one of the three still open. Someone has to be taking a tax write-off or similar for keeping it open.

[@AcesAdventures1]

They will never die

[@lashayakirby9154]

This place will always have a special place in my heart, Was lucky enough to go here two times, the last time I went was July 25th of 2021 and the bath & body works had done closed. I’m Very sad to see this place just get worse till they have to shut the doors completely, But absolutely amazing job at showing the world it’s beauty ☺️

[@whitetrashtrucker908]

My first job was at the Sears, spent a tremendous amt of time at the mall when i was younger... im a trucker and avoid spending much time in statesville as its small town charm turns to boredom and low level depression after more than a week.... That being said... i still visit this mall when im home.... always a heavy dose of nostalgia... nothin takes me back over a decade than entering this mall Wish this mall would be revitalized.... but given the American economy genrally not to.mention the avg low income per capita in statesville... revitalization is a pipe dream

[@viavhs]

I’m from Statesville, grew up going to Signal Hill mall and I worked in the Sears.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Have any old pics?

[@viavhs]

@@AcesAdventures1 At my childhood home in Statesville I do, I’ll dig them out when I get a chance, I currently live in Raleigh. My friend and his family ran the movie theater at the bottom of the hill across from JRs Tobacco. My Mom worked there in high school and we have all of her old movie posters. Signal Hill is special, gonna break my heart when it finally closes. I’m sure you’re aware of the footage taken in the 90s. If not: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6fSZnqQaZqagbc

[@AcesAdventures1]

@@viavhs if you get them to me I’ll share them on my IG and here

[@viavhs]

@@AcesAdventures1 will do

[@jacquelinejournals]

Check out the Parkdale mall if you make your way to Beaumont when you're in Tx

[@annetteparker7319]

I remember when Chick fil A, Woolworth, Payless Shoe Peebles and a buffet restaurant was where IHop sat in the mall

[@seabrook1976]

3:53 having been a little kid in the 70’s, that smell you’re describing is second hand smoke. Everything smelled like second hand smoke back then it seemed to me.

[@CaptWirg]

Seeing a pristine Radio Shack sign in 2022 is rare 😆

[@UrbanExploring1980]

I love your videos. Keep up the great work man👍

[@AcesAdventures1]

Ty

[@teddine7366]

Bath and Bodywork's always seems like the last store standing in these dead malls besides those ma and pop type stores that moved in

[@Brayby23]

I live in Texas, can't wait to see what part you go to!!

[@AcesAdventures1]

A ton of places

[@Steve.Cutler]

Someone should take one of these much smaller dead malls and make a retail museum mall..have some classic anchors, sears, kmart, Macy's etc..and some of the iconic stores inside. Maybe Corndog7, Aladins castle, or gnc etc. It's strange that in stores that used to be packed with clothes racks so tightly packed together you'd knock stuff off of one just sliding through. Empty arcades always remind me of the Island of misfit toys..saddest thing in a dead mall I think.

[@InkCityClothing]

Loved this one since it’s so close to my house

[@AcesAdventures1]

Ty

[@chriscourson2824]

I am noticing lots of malls are not even opening as early as they used to, not even during Christmas!

[@llaronatremaine]

oh wow. i live in Statesville, worked at this mall about 5 months ago at Belk. it used to be very nice and still could’ve been if the city would’ve let this area grow more. it’s a shame how this happened. it smells bad inside especially near ihop and i believe that Belk won’t be around much longer either. had some fun times here even though it was already dying when i used to go to it. my parents say it used to be so good back in the 80’s and i wish i could’ve been alive in that time to see it. oh well though! i think i miss the Kmart that was across the street more then i do the mall at this point.

[@pepsi_man4962]

Damn that intro hit my heart hard. It’s crazy how things have changed and how the past is such a distant thing.

[@ethancourson2717]

I used to live here as a kid, up until the age of 13, this mall used to be AWESOME, they had a great snow cone stand, a guritar center that was pretty cool, nice shoes stores, if I remember correctly JR tobacco was connected to it, the best part of this wall was the toy store, it was one of this first stores to close outta there, aaahhh nostalgia

[@Talendale]

Even in the year since this was posted, Signal Hill has degenerated tremendously- mold has ravaged the ceiling, the interior wing that connected to Belk's is closed off with caution tape, and it's likely plummeting straight into condemnation and/or parts of the mall literally falling in from water damage and rot.

[@alexander2685]

I didn't know what belk was either until I seen them all over in the Dallas ft.worth area.

[@WhittyPics]

I think that was one of the last Sears to close in the state? I think it made it to 2019. One just recently closed in Raleigh. The only store I actually seen open in your walk through was Bath & Body works. I guess Belk and a jewelry store are the other 2? I know you tend to walk through before things actually open.

[@NPC-Gamer]

Reminds me alot of a closed mall that is only a mile from where I live. Went there many times as a kid and once recently to have a look around. Still the same as ever with some 90s flare still lingering.

[@BigFungus19]

I drove through Statesville in August and I regret not stopping to check this out

[@AcesAdventures1]

go back lol

[@conveyedash5090]

Was that footage with the Bath & Bodyworks old? Me and my gf went here last year and it was closed. Thought they moved malls a few years ago?

[@AcesAdventures1]

This footage is from last spring

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

This bath and body works closed in April 2021. I was there the week after it closed.

[@sushicat.3707]

This looks about how McAlister Square in Greenville,SC was before it closed. Belk was one of the final tenants there, because they usually own their store buildings. McAlister became a university center, housing satellite campuses for several schools, and a couple good restaurants. Maybe that will happen to this mall.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Cool

[@gordontaylor2815]

There's definitely worse things that could happen...

[@kitfromchicago9787]

Aw hell yeah

[@AcesAdventures1]

Heck yes

[@gordontaylor2815]

Wikipedia says there's only three stores open in the mall (Belk, Wooten Jewelers and Star Wireless) but it looks like there's actually four when you include the Bath and Body Works. Does that page need updating?

[@AcesAdventures1]

I guess?

[@Ebacherville]

Its creapy but not totally neglected, Id like to buy this mall

[@vivavasuviuspodcast]

A+

[@randyhaight7202]

Man, I just watched a video from 10 months before this one, and the trash bag and trash lid at 2:54 were in that one too. So weird they just let that sit there in an open mall for like a year.

[@candvand]

Love your content and videos. You have a great voice for narration- good vocal variety, clear, etc. Please tho work on you uhs and ums. Sounds nitpicky but you’re otherwise so good.

[@AcesAdventures1]

I don’t want a script, not my style man

[@candvand]

@@AcesAdventures1 But it’s otherwise so good! (And I’m just referring to the narration at the beginning- one would expect that what you’re saying in the video would be spontaneous). Just once maybe record your unscripted bits, then listen to it and re-record it. I think you’ll be pleased. I mean, your work to a certain extent, will live forever. Give it the respect that it deserves. Really enjoy your videos, keep up the great work!

[@AcesAdventures1]

@@candvand I understand that, but you have to understand that speaking at all is difficult because of my injury. If it were up to me. I wouldn’t talk at all…

[@candvand]

@@AcesAdventures1 makes sense keep up the great work!

[@timothywalker4563]

A barn front store looks like it might have been Pepperidge farms🤭

[@MrPeteykins]

The music playing at the 10 minute mark is The Poor People of Paris, an EZ Listening classic!

[@AcesAdventures1]

good info!

[@j-man4132]

Another dead ShoppingTown

[@AcesAdventures1]

but a lot smaller

[@sandrashort1594]

This is the Sears where we bought an Xbox when they first came out.

[@pretzelrides3748]

Bell was originally called: Belk Baree’. One of the first was at the defunct Myrtle Square Mall, Myrtle Beach SC.

[@sandrashort1594]

It was Belk Harry when I was young. I have no idea when they dropped the Harry.

[@ailishmcgrath6798]

Rip Betty White

[@jdub142]

Just an update, bath and body works are also gone.

[@matthewklukowski1700]

I love out dated malls like this!!

[@JacksonShredder138]

This is a quaint mall lots of personality it's a shame that it's in the shape its in but somehow still open

[@AcesAdventures1]

Unreal

[@robertmailhos8159]

Southern modern style Belk I do believe it was their saying I'd need be you can look it up there Young Man 😎

[@AcesAdventures1]

cool

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@AcesAdventures1 Yeah buddy😎

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

9:35 thats where the clickers normally are

[@mariogonzalez8185]

If you're going to Tx. Go to the Valley Vista mall it's practically dead..it's Harlingen Texas.

[@AcesAdventures1]

I will take a look

[@s70driver2005]

Texas!?!?! What part. I've got places in DFW that are declining.

[@Rahshu]

There was a Signal Hills Mall where I grew up (not anywhere near NC, mind you). It was dead by the 1990s -- the early 1990s. Pathetic. I don't really remember much about it. I always thought the name was interesting if a little weird. It's interesting to know that there was another one with the same name somewhere else.

[@misterblueskyyy]

I always wonder about the plants. Does anybody rescue them? They’ve been there so long and seen so much.

[@misterblueskyyy]

Another thing: I do hope that you have a good mask for protection from dust and mold. Even if it’s not much it can get to your lungs in a bad way.

[@AcesAdventures1]

I wear a mask if in a bad spot

[@misterblueskyyy]

And what must it be like to work in that lonely, bright Bath and Body Works?

[@tolbs2002]

Are the doors locked?

[@donaldsmith7633]

What is the name of the music store in the mall ?

[@AcesAdventures1]

Idk

[@SpiralBounce]

Jesus, this mall. I grew up in Statesville and I have fond memories of it being booming as a kid in the early 2000s. I cannot BELIEVE that the Sears was unlocked though! I'll have to go in there myself whenever I'm back home. As soon as you went towards that doorway near the back offices, I got hit with a blast of nostalgia. Was that the door that was unlocked?

[@KrazyKeith4]

8:49-8:56 That's about how loud my car is.

[@AcesAdventures1]

Lol

[@KrazyKeith4]

@@AcesAdventures1 All it took was a Weapon R race exhaust header, Spec D Tuning exhaust system, and a Flowmaster muffler on an "unusually clean looking" 2006-11 Honda Civic.

[@tavraney3289]

You ever carry mace or Taser .so kinda self defense

[@AcesAdventures1]

I’m italian, i carry frozen meatballs

[@reesewoodworks]

Does he need mace or a taser for the invisible people??

[@ObscenePlanet]

Limp Bizkit stopped in there at the height of their career. Casey Anthony's parents were spotted there too