DEAD MALL: Tanglewood Mall - Roanoke, Virginia

[@sal]

This was such a great episode. Your narration, the footage, the editing and story...all amazing. Thanks, Cruise Director!

[@Baldmaxx]

That's high praise, from the best in the business. I totally agree with everything Sal said. Awesome job!

[@Bubblun1]

Old but very clean - the maintenance crew is definitely on it here.

[@starcitycreations]

I remember the French Quarter. When you went through it you could smell fresh bread. I also remember when Time Out arcade was on the upper level in the center of the mall. I used to go there every Saturday morning and play pinball. The machines were lined up one wall and down the other. Such wonderful memories.

[@riod7559]

Yes! The French Quarter felt like a whole different place.

[@WhittyPics]

I can listen to you talk all day Kristin. You have the most soothing radio voice.

[@turtleislandlac1490]

I've never been to or seen this mall before yet I'm overwhelmed with nostalgia. It's like I've taken a time machine to a place in the 80s I've never been to.

[@cynthiarose7534]

Great video. I love the aesthetics and it’s so bright and pretty. Thanks for the awesome video. I really enjoyed it. It brings back great memories of other malls back in the day. The 80s and 90s were a very memorable time for mall shopping.😊

[@autotoyexchangegarage7053]

Back in the late 70s/early 80s, my father smoked a pipe & we would go to the French Quarter for his tobacco. I remember the sweet smells & all the amazing carved pipes on display there. The French Quarter area was unique in Mall design & it was sad when it was gone.

[@ttocselbag5054]

Kristin’s voice: the cadence and intonation just lulls me into an ASMR-like trance. Pure bliss for these old ears! 🙏❤️

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you!

[@kimmers220]

I love all the natural light. I love how your narration is so soothing over Richard Marx's Right Here Waiting . The color palette is soothing.

[@ibtravartworks9085]

Kristin this was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed it. They announced recently a large YMCA will be built inside Tanglewood on the second floor so...lots of interesting changes for this mall.

[@riod7559]

This used to be "the Mall" back in the day- the main mall of my childhood. Totally had forgotten about Lazarus!! My Mother loved shopping at J C Penney's and we always ate at K&W.🕊R.I.H Mama

[@icomeundone]

I grew up in the lynchburg and we would get radio ads for the tanglewood mall all the time but I have never been so I really enjoyed getting to live vicariously thru this video

[@knaudi86]

Having spent a good bit of time at Tanglewood, I knew it was only a matter of time until I saw it here.

[@suave-alpaca8412]

Fantastic production. Loving the steady footage, narration and etc. I love how clean this mall is despite, well, not much business going on sadly.

[@halojill4937]

This video is pure perfection!!! Brava!!!!!

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

A great production and voiceover as always!! Load in that Flock of MallGulls next time please! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Schyler]

The best videos of this style are on this channel. Actual info and lore is always great ‼️‼️

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you so much!

[@Boxten153]

Nice looking mall I appreciate it!

[@lizo659]

I grew up in Roanoke and spent hours at this mall, even working at several stores! In the eighties, this place was gorgeous, and thriving! I often go there to walk, but if I think about the past, and the different stores that used to be there, it makes me very sad.😔

[@rachelrivera91]

Thank you for this tour around this beautiful mall. So nicely maintained. I would love to be there myself. I hope they continue to keep doing things to repurpose this lovely place. Again Kristin, you really do such a fantastic job on your videos. I truly enjoy them. I look forward to more mall video tours from you.

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you so much. There are more on the way

[@johnbrill7909]

I remember going to B. Datlon and Waldon Books in the late 90's. They were in the strip of business spaces on the right at the 11:40 mark.

[@fisitron7256]

I need to visit this mall so bad. I love the aesthetics.

[@kevinbao6905]

Grew up in Roanoke and I have fond memories of going here when I was little. I'm pretty sure there are still pictures of some people from my high school class (c.o. 2018) when they were little kids in a display window somewhere that were never taken down

[@polyhex]

Wild how one day after I subscribe you make a video in my old hometown. Love what you're doing here!

[@nextdimensionmedia3196]

Wow, in your last 3 videos you showed two malls that meant a lot to me in my youth. As a kid, we lived in the Tanglewood area, so it was in walking distance. Then around my jr yr in high school, moved to Chattanooga and (although my mall rat days were mostly behind me), I spent a good bit of time at Eastgate. Great videos. Thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories!

[@coreycoyle9548]

Very Wonderful Video!!!!! I Love the Fountains!!! F+L, Corey

[@harrygoldun5779]

Been in a couple of malls here in Melbourne, Australia and recall an 80's soundtrack playing over the PA. Really sets the mood!

[@christianschoenewald]

I lived in Roanoke in 1978, and 1979. This was the first mall that my parents took me to when I was a little kid. I have loved shopping malls ever since then, and Have had the opportunity to live near many great ones. Out of all of the malls that I have frequented over the years, only one of them is truly dead, Fashion Square in Charlottesville. I’m glad to see that Tanglewood mall is being brought back to life.

[@jakeharrison2000]

I actually remember coming here a lot when I was a kid. I have so many fond memories of this place.

[@jonboogy]

Oh, regarding Crossroads Mall. Advance Auto Parts abandoned this location a few years ago for a newer high rise building in Raleigh, which was adding insult to injury with Norfolk Southern already leaving their historic downtown maintenance shop

[@austingregory9118]

I grew up in Roanoke, and spent a lot of time at Tanglewood as a child. This mall holds a special place in my heart and I remember it in the late 90s and 2000s when it was still somewhat of a destination. I’m happy it’s getting repurposed and still there. I live in Charlotte, Nc now right beside SouthPark Mall and there’s such a huge difference!

[@jakerez4666]

I’ll be Right Here Waiting for you ! 🎵🎶

[@Valo216]

In the late 80's/early 90's this mall had the best food court and arcade. I used to love coming here.

[@cmartin3230]

I always loved Tanglewood Mall. I occasionally worked in that TJ Maxx.

[@Kfoster1979]

Grew up in Roanoke and spent a lot of time in the 90s as a teenager there. Interior remodel happened in the 90s, but I can’t recall the exact year. There was a push has Valley View grew to make it more of a high end shopping mall and that in part lead to its downfall.

[@chrissasandlin8344]

Love the sense of space evident in this mall. Also, possibly slightly jealous of a mall with a diversified tenant list (not just clothes, food, food, clothes) as is uncommon for the malls near me.

[@AndyO-f7k]

I first visited Tanglewood Mall in 1997, and have seen it decline and almost die ever since. Sad, because it's a great space. Very bright and navigable, and 20 years ago, also very busy. Unlike Valley View Mall on the north side of Roanoke, Tanglewood is easy to access, get into and out of, and even when it was fully populated and very busy, was still a pleasant space and positive shopping experience. It had a pretty good food court at one time too, but poor management meant that as stores closed, they weren't replaced. A great shame, this is a far better mall space than the now much more popular Valley View, but opportunities to expand and develop additional retail/food space were missed so now it's used more by mall walkers than anyone else. And yes, those were the colours, textures and materials used in the 80's refurbishment. I was last there in May 2024, and it's good to see it slowly coming back to life as it is being repurposed.

[@UniCommProductions]

I didn't really think about it at the time, but you're definitely right that Tanglewood is less of a headache to get in and out of than Valley View (I got REALLY confused when I was leaving!). Tanglewood is objectively a more attractive building than Valley View IMO.

[@SimplyIncredibleDiscGolf]

Been there many times. Really started fading away when Valley View came in and then Covid was really the last nail in this mall's coffin. It was a good mall back in the late 80's-90's when I went alot.

[@seabee73]

Nice video. Love your music choice. Your voice is perfect for narrating. That is a nice looking mall.

[@Lagaidh]

I can barely remember Tanglewood still having what felt like life at the end of the 80s and maybe just into the 90s. By the time I had graduated high school (the year of the remodel), it already felt like it was declining as a commercial hub. Niche stores began to replace retailers of national or regional scope.

[@H.R.6688]

I spent alot of time in the 3 malls in Roanoke back in the early 90s when I was a kid. I remember going to the arcade up stairs.

[@Mozz2004]

Another great video as always. You never cease to impress me with your work.

[@stevenswain5028]

This is not the Mediterranean tile. 10:00

[@UniCommProductions]

See? I knew it! That did not look "Mediterranean"!

[@radereb13]

I might be wrong but I believe there are remnants of that Mediterranean tile work on each side of the former JC Penny entrances.

[@craigjensen6853]

You forgot the additional "Nice" at 5:30 for the sale price.

[@clarkfraley5682]

I can't believe there is a functioning fountain. That seems like a feature gets killed off in these aging malls.

[@Panic4Topher]

Update for this video carilion hospital has purchased all of the NE part of the mall so around the 12 minute part of this video all of those empty stores on the right hand side will be converted to carilion offices as well but one interesting part is when u was on the upper part and the signs had stop do not go further that whole area is being transformed to a YMCA and pickleball courts.

[@modvavet]

I remember when it was still the 'big' mall for Roanoke. We also had Crossroads, but I think the DMV had already taken a big chunk of that one by the time I was old enough to know about it. Once Valley View Mall was constructed, it was a major blow to Tanglewood. It still held on for a long time, but now Carilion is taking up a lot of it and several of the shops are just empty. Michael's still gets a lot of traffic, and there's a suit place and Crystal Cottage, but not a whole lot else left.

[@UniCommProductions]

Tanglewood was 50% larger than Crossroads so I can definitely see that! What businesses are in the mall still seem like they have decent traffic but there's just so many empty spaces. I appreciate seeing that they're trying to keep the doors open by pivoting to a sort of community services center with the medical clinic and incoming YMCA

[@modvavet]

@@UniCommProductions I didn't know about the YMCA! That's pretty cool. It's also definitely a nice place to go if you just need to get some steps in and don't want to cook yourself! 😁

[@UniCommProductions]

@@modvavet I learned about the YMCA from other commenters! It's late breaking news that happened since I concluded research on the video :)

[@chrislaustin]

OMG, original water features still in place and actually running? WOW, does that take me back, as many of the malls I grew up around in Los Angeles are still there, but things like this have long since been removed. And where I live now, hell I don't think the malls ever even had water features, and if they did, it was well ahead of my time. If a mall still has working water features, can it truly be considered "dead"? LOL

[@UniCommProductions]

You should check out a video I did a bit ago about the Eastgate Mall in Chattanooga-it’s completely converted to offices and is no longer a mall but has the most beautiful fountain just tucked away in there.

[@chrislaustin]

@@UniCommProductions WOW, that was insane, as I wouldn't have guessed in a million years the amazing waterfall was tucked away in that place. Growing up in Las Angeles, something like that wouldn't have been put of place in an upscale office building or outside promenade space. So maybe that was the thinking in keeping that running there, as it's now mostly office space, but it still just seems way out of sorts for what the mall has become. That being said, hats off to whomever is responsible, as normally that type of stuff is the 1st thing to go.

[@JustSimplyRobert]

My family lived in Roanoke through most of my elementary school life (late 90's). We used to go to the mall every weekend, but I don't think we really went to Tanglewood all that much. To be honest, the family liked Valley View much better. My dad always took me to FYE while we were there, but I definitely understand how it contributed to Tanglewood's downfall. I just feel like i heard way more about Valley View than Tanglewood growing up. I don't have very many memories of that mall, but its always disappointing to see one dying or closing. Malls were such a huge part of the mid to late 20th century, so when one closed or start fizzling out, it just feels like a huge chunk of history and memories disappear. great video, by the way, stubbled across it by KZbin Recommendations. I love hearing the stories about malls and other retail chains.

[@dennisud]

Another mall that is slowly adapting to the current economy!

[@erinsmith4505]

They are putting in a YMCA location inside Tanglewood as well!

[@ThatDadonYoutube]

It would have been great to include pictures from the 80's and 90's.

[@KathyGaddy]

I remembered the day Tanglewood opened. Sophomore in HS. ❤

[@mst3kanita]

I remember when I first started doing mall research back in 2005 (!) people were arguing whether this mall was dead or not. In 2005!

[@UniCommProductions]

I’m guessing it wasn’t really back then was it?

[@mst3kanita]

@@UniCommProductions I'm not sure. I wonder if the lower end tenants like dave & barry's gave it that feel.

[@NeverTrustAnOwl]

It was recently announced that a new branch of the YMCA will be going in here which is fitting since it has mostly been used as a walking track on the lower level (no joke!). Popular with elderly folks or people strolling babies to beat the heat or cold weather. More restaurants have been opening up in the parking lot area, so hopefully it will get a little boost in foot traffic.

[@UniCommProductions]

That’s a fantastic idea; I hope it’s successful.

[@dspan9]

Grew up going here. I miss when it had chicos pizza and xtrremes comic shop

[@teknoge3k]

Just to clarify, Carilion is pronounced "Kah-Reel-Yon". It's the largest healthcare network in the area.

[@cmartin3230]

Thank you. It was driving me nuts throughout the video.

[@UniCommProductions]

Noted! I’m sorry I mangled that so badly. I’m from another state so it’s not something I would have heard in a commercial, etc.

[@teknoge3k]

@@UniCommProductions No worries at all! :)

[@1stRateResumes]

@@UniCommProductions Feel free to pop inside any of the stores and ask. Also note, it's Advance Auto, not Advanced, a common mistake. Other than that, very impressive. I haven't been to this mall in eons, even though I drive by it often. I love your work.

[@UniCommProductions]

@@1stRateResumes The Roanoke community takes their spelling and pronunciation seriously, and that's something I can get behind. I will do better next time. Double-checking EVERYTHING!

[@sandradearing604]

BTW back when it opened (1978 ish) it was stunning with fountains and an org julius and such...this IS NOW. plz seek other times...is was the most amazing place.

[@UniCommProductions]

I take a great interest in the history of the properties I cover. This mall opened in March 1973, actually. Now, if only I were able to go back and film the past! Unfortunately the only thing I’ve got is the present so that is the footage I was able to show you. Thank you for watching!

[@rhondas6158]

I may have misunderstood the pronunciation but it sounded like you said “Crosswoods Mall”. It was Crossroads mall as it referenced the fact it was at the intersection of two major roads: Williamson and Hershberger. Great video! I enjoyed it.

[@UniCommProductions]

I botched it; you’re right. I know I pronounce it correctly later in the video.

[@Hockey9293]

419 is a disaster and getting in and out of that mall is a nightmare.

[@songwriter1965]

This mall is very different from it's glory days in the 80's but certainly not dead. It is home to Carilion Children's outpatient another outpatient office and the HR talent development, so yes they keep it clean and welcoming. . Also as you can see, home to Michael's, Bath and Body, Belk a Karate gym & a few others.

[@UniCommProductions]

When we say "dead" we are referring to it having outlived its original purpose as a full service mall. You're right, this mall has some services as well as a few big box tenants. However, most of the inline spaces within the mall are currently unoccupied. While they have found a way forward by converting this property into something else, its future as a shopping mall is unlikely.

[@akinokenshi24]

It’s a shame they had that half of the second floor blocked off. If you kept going, there’s a long storefront display case with a bunch of old photos of the mall throughout the years. Including photos showing the land being developed and ones from when a lot of the mall was wood side paneling and trees everywhere throughout.

[@UniCommProductions]

From what I’m being told they are remodeling it into a YMCA

[@LoganMartin-l8h]

Kmart is coming to the mall and it’s going to be epic bro

[@UniCommProductions]

Nah it’s gonna be a F.W. Woolworth’s with a Harvest House lunch counter it’s gonna be epic, sis!

[@chris1har]

Where did you get that soundtrack??

[@UniCommProductions]

It’s a combination of music from a service I subscribe to along with some karaoke versions of pop songs that I did some minor remixing on.

[@ryanfrisby7389]

This is such a unique place, fantastic video!😸

[@DoomPlague]

This place seems lovely. I've heard different theories as to what happened to the original inhabitants. (that's me making a cringe history joke).

[@davinp]

When there are several malls built near each other - which is called overmalling - at least one mall will fail as we see with this mall.

[@UniCommProductions]

Quite true! I actually created a series called Overmalled that popularized the very phrase you’re explaining to me.

[@babygirladdy]

Kool vid but older footage it seems - a lot has moved in outside and a ymca is projected to go in upstairs. Sketchers and burlington + staples and tj maxx are also there but dont connect to the inside of the mall. Five guys, chicken salad chick and champloo desserts werent shown. The entire first part of the mall where jc penney used to be is carilion childrens pediatric and you cant really see it from inside the mall. Crystal cottage isnt next to belk anymore either, its moved down towards michaels and bath & body works. Footage must be from some time last year or earlier.

[@UniCommProductions]

This footage was shot in January 2024 over MLK day weekend, so it is a few months old. Glad you still found it "kool", though!

[@jbthesfm]

Crossroads Mall, not Crosswoods.

[@bobgrebe5127]

If I may add some lyrics to the opening tune: "It must've been a maaaalllllll, but it over now."

[@UniCommProductions]

🎶They have some doctors, but the stores have moved out!🎵

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

I'm sorry Kristin I feel like I'm a pier runner that's left behind. Late watching this as always top notch in every way.

[@UniCommProductions]

Your comments always bring a smile to my face, Mark.

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

@@UniCommProductions awe thank you! Let's spread them around the world.

[@charlottekrantz3555]

Given the economics in the Tanglewood area, why has the mall all but completely shut down? The location is prime for retail and restaurants.

[@UniCommProductions]

Valley View mall is bigger and has more stores. This happens a lot, a new mall will be built and it will draw attention from the older one. Tanglewood has had some sort of rough choices with anchors at points (Steve and Barry's, Stein Mart), so that hasn't helped either.

[@seansretroverse9082]

Tanglewood is still relatively well maintained, and it's not truly "all but completely shut down". A lot of the stores inside have closed, but the property is teeming with lots of new development outside in what used to be the expansive parking lot. Now the outside has many bustling new eateries, including Roanoke's first Chili's, Panda Express, Blaze Pizza, Popeye's, Chipotle, among others. Carilion has taken up the entire north side of the mall and is likely the primary reason the mall has survived despite the total exodus of most of the smaller shops inside. I would attribute many of the smaller shops inside leaving due to the COVID pandemic, but thanks to larger tenants moving in, I don't think the mall is in dire circumstances as it once was.

[@RovaRussell]

They’re adding a YMCA on the second level in the old Steve & Barry’s above the Taekwondo studio.

[@winternoodles2338]

I know most of your videos are about dead malls, but I think it would be really intresting if you did a video about the kenwood mall. As it is the youngest of the cincinnati malls but its the only one thriving now days. As someone who group going there, had family who worked there and is now currently working there it would really intresting to discusses its success. But also more recent failures, as sense covid theres been a massive spike in crime there.

[@tlc4al]

I used to shop there all the time. I couldn’t tell you how many times I took my kids there to see Santa. Great Mall even though it’s almost empty I’d rather go there than the other mall you mentioned Valley View Mall. People who live in & around Roanoke, Va. call it the ghetto mall. Just the other day kids were banging on metal cans & caused a panic cause ppl thought there were ppl shooting. It’s ridiculous.

[@GMCTIM]

ON THE NEWS THIS MORNING GEN. Z MALLS ARE ON THE COMEBACK ?

[@UniCommProductions]

I know a lot of Gen Z folks who hang out at the mall. The kids are gonna be alright!

[@NotJaydenRoblox33]

This is sad to see one of my local malls like this I miss the mommy time store

[@resqpig]

Kristen...FYI...Carilion is pronounced Ka-rill-e-un.

[@UniCommProductions]

Several of your neighbors have let me know that...I need to pull up some local advertisements next time I see something I'm not certain how to pronounce!

[@jerrypolverino6025]

Everything is cheaper online, and it comes right to your front door. The traffic is miserable to the point we call it Stranglewood. 4 poorly times lights just to get past the mall.

[@UniCommProductions]

Sometimes it is. I still don’t enjoy buying clothing online.

[@jerrypolverino6025]

@@UniCommProductions I did not either at first, but the selections available are vastly superior. You need to shop carefully. Read the reviews from those that purchased various items. Good luck.

[@UniCommProductions]

@jerrypolverino6025 different strokes for different folks! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@edwardschwenk3100]

@@UniCommProductions There's a trick to that Kristin. At Amazon, women will buy the same clothing piece in two sizes. Then keep the one that fits best, and return the other for a full refund. 😊 However, afterward it's cheaper for Amazon to throw out the returned clothing into a landfill, than it is to restock it. It's absolutely insane and wasteful to the point of ridiculous, but it ensures they get their pantsuit, jeans or dress in the size that fits! 👍 I'm not joking, this happens alot.

[@GMCTIM]

BEEN IN TANGLWOOD MALL SEVERAL TIMES SADLY ON LINE SHOPPING & CELL PHONES HAVE KILLED MALLS LIKE THE PAY PHONE !

[@UniCommProductions]

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING SORRY YOU DIDNT ENJOY THE VIDEO

[@GMCTIM]

NO NO GREAT VIDEO JUST MY EXSPRESSION ON WHAT KILLED MALLS ! 😁✌

[@lordshell]

Were you going to hit Crossroads Mall?

[@UniCommProductions]

@@lordshell it’s corporate offices for Advanced Auto Parts now and has largely been gutted unfortunately

[@lordshell]

@@UniCommProductions (sad face) I wasn't sure there was anything left inside. Used to go to that mall all the time as a kid.

[@seansretroverse9082]

Crossroads mall is mostly gone at this point. The largest section of Crossroads was razed and a BJ's wholesale club was built in its place. Also, the Advance Auto Parts corporate offices moved to Raleigh NC a while back. I believe all that remains is a support facility for Advance stores there now.

[@DonWillis607]

The Real Reason Young Folks Went To That Mall. " Time Out" Arcade. Biggest & Best in SW Virginia. (for that time anyway) OH the Quarters That I Spent! Millions! lol

[@VaDulcimer]

Great job! Beautiful footage! Please look up your pronunciation of “Carilion”

[@UniCommProductions]

@@VaDulcimer How is it pronounced? You’re definitely right; I should have looked that up before saying it aloud in a video

[@tharapper8145]

You’re the person behind watch mojo?

[@UniCommProductions]

LOL! No, but thank you! I do some commercial voicework but that's not among them. :)

[@Sirkassius12354]

When was this filmed?

[@UniCommProductions]

January 2024

[@jholder1966]

Love it thank you

[@Withnail1969]

5:00: Mall walking boomers remembering how it used to be

[@ronnieleebailey]

"CA-real-LEE-un"

[@ronnieleebailey]

There's an "I" in there that you're missing

[@johnbrill7909]

I did not know I took the pronunciation of Carilion for granted.. She is pronouncing it "CAR" "il" "ion". It is pronounced "Ca"" RIL" "ion" with emphasis in "Ril"

[@UniCommProductions]

I’m finding out that I was VERY wrong in my pronunciation! My apologies!

[@johnbrill7909]

@@UniCommProductions It is okay! You had to have traveled a ways to come here and give it a spotlight. I appreciate that. I find the pronunciation amusing more than anything!

[@Will-i5u]

Build it bigger and they will come doesn't always apply.

[@Will-i5u]

It's just another memorial of all whom it was built in lieu of.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Looks like a great place for dept of aging and social security offices. Let the senors walk around indoors climate controlled. Plenty of places to sit.

[@UniCommProductions]

I've seen that done at quite a few malls; I know the Charleston Town Center in Charleston, WV has a senior center off the food court. It's a great idea; a lot of older people are there anyway.

[@jessijaynes]

Feel like these old malls should be turned into new age nursing homes.

[@MRVISTA-wz7vj]

This mall looks dead to me. It's decor does scream eighties IMHO. 😂 4 me the debate is over. On line shopping is now n future. Malls r the distant past, like rock n roll music. Sooner or later they'll all b torn down n replaced by AMAZON fulfillment centers😂😂😂IMHO🎉 great vid as always🎉 b safe🎉 don't let the sun catch u crying😊😊😊

[@UniCommProductions]

I think they built way too many. We do not need the number we have, so only the strongest ones will stick around. I’ve visited quite a few malls in rural areas where the internet speeds are not great and shipping is slow, and their malls are still doing very well.

[@MatthewTybor]

GRM is gooder than you

[@UniCommProductions]

Who?