Dead Malls Season 5 Episode 6 - Lakeside Mall

Nestled neatly into a bustling retail corridor of the northern Detroit metro, lies Lakeside Mall. A Taubman classic. Constructed and opened in 1976 it was a staple, an anchor, and an example for how to do retail at the time. Betwixt multiple massive big box anchor stores lie over 1.5 million square feet of mall between 2 levels. Over 200 stores would be the place to be for years and residents would often find the mall to be the destination for any and all activities for years. However, as the years went on and things changed, so did Lakeside. The overly excessive mall was found hard to fill, and often would be left empty. Especially after online shopping, newer and better malls, and a changing retail climate struck. Anchors and tenants alike would leave and in 2022 plans were finalized to demolish the old mall. So join em today, as we step into another world, a world where the deals never end, the future seemed bright, and the futuristic possibilities of retail seemed endless. Join me today as we take a tour and tell the story of Lakeside Mall, in Sterling Heights, MI.
Music used
Music by Stevia Sphere
Tuesday Television
And ALITA CITY
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[@mikerocks56]

I was 19 when Lakeside opened in 1976. Those seating areas were always full of older retired men sitting around shooting the breeze. In your video, I saw, guess what, an older man sitting in the seating area. All alone though. Have his buddies moved or passed away. Now. I am a senior myself. I live just a minute away from the mall. Maybe I’ll grab a cup of coffee and go to the seating area and sit with the lonely old guy there.

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

You know why the older men where always sitting in these areas? They were waiting on their wives to finish shopping at Hudsons and Lord and Taylor.

[@rejectedmomma6154]

Breaks my heart. A big part of my life was spent at this mall.

[@JoJo-ie8sl]

I always try to find a positive in these places for every vid. It looks desolate but someone is clearly doing a good job keeping it clean. Place looks immaculate.

[@NorthCdogg22]

For real, it blows my mind how pristine everything is in this mall, I absolutely adore it

[@oliverdouglas]

I remember Christmas shopping at Lakeside back in its early years. Those parking lots you see at the beginning of the video, which completely ring the mall, were completely full. Often we had to park with countless others on the grass berms which sat on the very outer edges of the property, beyond the end of the asphalt lots.

[@stephanie8699]

this was my childhood mall and the memories I have just riding the glass lighted elevator and waterfall fountains as a kid are core memories. lakeside still looks good for an old girl! Teen years at Tilt arcade and stories of the slide. this mall was so phenomenal in its day

[@expomichigan2813]

EXPO MICHIGAN at Lakeside Mall November 24-December 24, 2023 kzbin.info/www/bejne/poiaonh4eLaUeM0

[@PrimericanIdol]

I remember when FYE had a huge arcade area besides the actual retail store.

[@mortb9]

Mine too. { sigh } The only arcade I remember was hidden way in the back of Sears. Where was Tilt Arcade?

[@fernandoscorsin8191]

The sequence between 10:18 - 10:48 with the crescendo part of the song in the background and the haunting words "you've made it, but your destination is no longer here", really got me... 😰

[@scottDchicago]

Your work is absolutely outstanding! This 1.5 million sq ft mall is still an architectural wonder. It demonstrates just how much retail, amongst many other things, have changed in the past fifty years. Standing ovation for this episode!

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thank you so much Scott! And you are very right!

[@WhittyPics]

He does a good job. He should have 100k subs. I especially like the effects he uses when he cuts in old photos or footage

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

Fairlane was and is an even greater architectural icon to this day! It too is on it's way out! In 5 years, Partridge Creek will be closing up shop as well.

[@QuintusAntonious]

Honestly, this mall still looks modern, even in the older photos!

[@NorthCdogg22]

I agree! Taubman malls usually age pretty well

[@ooGargsoo]

Moved to the area in 1987 when I was 11. The area was cornfields and farmland with a 3-lane road passing Lakeside, not the 8-lane expressway that's there now. This was my hangout from 1989-94. It was THE place to be on Friday and Saturday nights- totally packed! I worked at the "trendy" clothing stores for 2 years ('91-'93). My at the time girlfriend and her mother worked at Marshall Fields/Macy's until 2011. That girlfriend and I married in 2012, and I took our 6yo son there last year to show him a "mall", while I reminisced. Lakeside is a shell of what it was, but such good memories; thanks for dredging them up!

[@sensibleamericans1]

Just moved back to MI. 3 months ago from 25 years in FL. I stopped by Lakeside Mall yesterday (05-13-23) with my childhood (and current) best friend (we were looking for Mothers day gifts for our wives). He and I had been in and out of Lakeside many times growing up. WOW is all we could say as we walked the dead halls and closed stores. I felt a certain depression while inside the building. It was like I was looking at the depth of my age. Good video!

[@thisisbeckk]

this mall used to be so much more. pretty much all the stores are gone. food court is empty. it's so heartbreaking 💔

[@PrimericanIdol]

Someone needs to save it.

[@NicholasShade-eq1ts]

💔

[@AkklaimSports]

Getting home from work and watching one of your videos on a Sunday afternoon is a blessing.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thank you!

[@jordankoehn1139]

It's so great to see you covering a mall that I grew up going to. So many memories. Great video!

[@NorthCdogg22]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NicholasShade-eq1ts]

Thanks for adding the fact that you grew up around this mall.🤎

[@stgenerations]

That was amazing. Such a shame that place isn’t at full occupancy and being well taken care of. Lovely. The hideous outside hides a glorious 70s aesthetic that made me feel like I’d been there before.

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

Unfortunately the beginning of the end started with on line shopping.

[@control_the_pet_population]

​@jamesmcdonald5868 The beginning of the end was the expansion of Somerset in the mid 90s and the opening of Patridge Creek in the mid 00s. Lakeside was fading before online shopping took over... it was more just an over supply of floor space in the area. Even today, there are five other big malls within a 20-30 minute drive.

[@bernadettecaullay5947]

I remember when Lakeside opened...went there all the time, it was THE place to hang out. Eventually took my daughters there quite frequently. There was an awesome play area for the kids and they loved going there. It was a beautiful place with many shopping and dining options. It was always decorated so beautifully for Christmas, and Santa would have a grand arrival every year...you could barely move there were so many people. He would make his way to the North Pole display right by the elevator in the middle. I worked at the Disney Store which opened in '93. So much fun, and extremely busy all the time! Depressing and sad to see it has become a ghost town.

[@AngryReviewer]

Its sad watching your video. Its hard watching it. I want Sears back. I want the Mall back the way it was back in the early 2000's. I have gone there so many times. Riding the elevator was always so cool. 😭 It was a mall my mom went to growing up. It was a mall I went to growing up and still go to time to time. I have fond memories at lakeside. The entrance you came in the red walled place with the blue shutters was a Ruby Tuesday. The purple place in the food Court was a Taco Bell. There was also an A&W. I remember when Sears was open still. I have fond memories of Sears. 😭 Its hard to see it become so dead. I am almost 31 and its been a great place. Thanks for the Video

[@davejajuga2224]

I worked at Ruby Tuesday growing up. What a great and happy time. Really miss that place

[@iratevolcano7194]

I grew up on this mall. I was around when it was just farmland. The irony of this mall was ppl were upset about the mall being built(traffic, crowds) and now ppl are upset about the mall being torn down. As I said I was around when the mall opened. I even eventually worked here lol. Its sad to see such an iconic landmark fall to nothingness.

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

It still blows me away that fir well over 20 years Hall rd was two lanes from the Van Dyke expressway to I 94 until the end of 97! Then came the widening project, and the awful roads started!

[@davidsquires154]

I am a new subscriber to your channel and I live in Detroit,Michigan. I just finished watching this video about Lakeside Mall. Back in the day and I used to work for Hudson's Eastland Mall Department Store. I worked for Hudson's from 1975 until 1980. I remember when Fairlane Town Center Mall in Dearborn and when Lakeside Mall both opened up in 1976. I remember Northland Mall in Southfield and Eastland Mall in Harper Woods were sisters. I remember when Northland Mall was demolished. And for Northland Mall will become Northland Town Center. After when Northland Mall was demolished but they saved the Hudson's Building which will be Hudson's City Market and they saved the J.C.PENNEY Building but no plans for the J.C.PENNEY Building. The old Northland Mall is going to have Apartments,Restaurants,and Retail. And the Eastland Mall also has been demolished. The old Eastland Mall will become A Class A Warehouse and Distribution Center. The businesses in the Eastland Parking Lot will remain. The Class A Warehouse and Distribution Center is still under construction. Whenever you get a chance and could you do a video about Fairlane Town Center Mall in Dearborn?

[@brandonj8018]

Fairlane is still thriving…

[@donaldsearing]

I am amazed how much this looks like Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg,IL. Then I went and Wikipediaed both and I see they are both Taubman and Homart developed malls from the 70s. Woodfield used to have the same brick seating areas and fountains but those were removed in the 90s. Thanks for your awesome videos!

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks for watching Donald!

[@SynchroSk8]

Yes, even the art looks like Woodfield. I get sad thinking about Woodfield not having the fountains anymore. I remember walking under the fountains. Its so wild to think that Woodfield is one that is still making it. Fond memories and probably why I love the Taubman design elements.

[@sirekumasutra7022]

Lakeside is the largest mall in Michigan area wise. It opened the same day as Fairlane Center, also a Taubman masterpiece. Fairlane has an open Cinnabon.

[@PrimericanIdol]

Aren't Somerset and Great Lakes Crossing significantly bigger?

[@debbiehamilton9771]

I will always remember my dad waiting for my mom in the pit outside JCPenny. It was the best at Christmas time too. So sad to see the emptiness of that great mall.

[@midwesturbex7762]

Great video. As a Michigan native I love how you are able to explore all of these malls in our area. Hoping you get to see the Mall of Monroe down by the Ohio Michigan border one day.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks! I would love to see that one at some point! A lot in the area I still wanna hit up

[@PrimericanIdol]

Great Lakes Crossing, Somerset, Twelve Oaks, etc. Are still kicking it.

[@westhollywood5475]

WE LOVE LAKESIDE, LIVE 10 MIN FROM THE MALL----WE GO TO MACYS AND WALK THE MALL - MACYS IS A BUSY STORE BUT THE OTHERS IN THE MALL ARE NOT--HOPE SOMEONE WILL SAVE IT

[@edwardsimonson2378]

I remember this mall from the time I was young until I moved in 2008. I was 5 when it opened in 1976. I remember going to Hudson's when I was little. There was a restaurant in the basement of Hudson's. It had three floors. At one point, there was an ice skating rink. Later that space was made into the hydro tube. Then the space was Tilt, a two story video game arcade. There were so many great stores over the years. I still remember the children's area in front of the toy store, KB Toys. The area had orange steps in a huge circle. I was surprised to see the mirror sculpture that hung from the ceiling in your video. It fell at one point and never went back up. Such a wonderful mall. It's being demolished in 2025. There are plans to close it on July 1st, 2024. I moved to South Dakota, and yes, I've been to the Watertown mall from one of your videos.

[@krisgattler8909]

Thank you for this video, it brought back memories. I was a kid when Lakeside opened up, what most people don't know, there was an ice arena inside with a full-sized ice rink......I spent MANY weekends as a kid skating there to music and then over to YummyLand for a sweet treat before heading home. The same year, Fairlane Town Center opened up and it must've been the same builder and/or owner because it looked identical to Lakeside. UPDATE: Lakeside Mall is STILL open. My Hubby and I walked around the mall yesterday and reminisced about all the old times and stores. Surprisingly the mall is still in very good condition and very clean, it would be a shame for this to be demolished, it should be repurposed. The few stores still open, are praying for a miracle.

[@lorddeathspit1124]

Lakeside was a borderline preemptive mall, meaning it was out on M59 before it was heavily populated. I’m impressed the video maker knew that fact and pointed it out. Subscribed.

[@Mapmaker1559]

Man that mall is _so_ gorgeous. Another amazing textbook Taubman beauty. I _really_ don't want to see it get developed into more stupid apartments.

[@triplexity.]

i live in the area, the city is already planning to demolish it in the next 4 years and turn it into apartments. 😢

[@chrissasandlin8344]

Love the mix of historical photos and current view. Also, I think I need a novel about a mall converted into a space station. :)

[@missybaker1608]

This is the best Mall I've ever seen! Glad you were able to blog this beautiful 1976 Mall. I know it's been renovated but the waterfall and elevator the stairs, escalator the skylight ceilings with those wonderful lights and the outdoor view of the mall pure 1970's.

[@jeee1074]

It should be a crime to let this place go to waste. This mall is a time-capsule that should remain as intact as possible. Features like you see at this mall just can't be found anymore. I really liked your attention to detail with the documentation of this mall. Well done!

[@extremedrivr]

Historical monument!!

[@John0406]

When Lakeside first opened, it featured a large indoor ice skating rink, which would later be replaced with the HydroTubes. That blocked off seating area in the food court was the dining area for Kerby’s Koney Island which was the closed restaurant right next to it. My friend owned the Charley’s Philly Steaks closing it due to the malls major decline in customer traffic. I also worked at Lakeside for 3 months back in 2016 at Teavana, filling in until they could find a store manager. Even then, the mall had very little customer traffic. I currently work at one of the businesses in the outer circle surrounding Lakeside Mall!

[@expomichigan2813]

EXPO MICHIGAN at Lakeside Mall 2023, kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXcZX-FnNuIedk, September 2-3, November 24-26, December 2-3 9-10 16-17 22-24 1,000 vendor spaces inside stores, $75 space only advance, $99 with table set up

[@HecklesTheClown]

do you remember the hallmark?

[@mavohq]

oh hey, im so glad you did this one! i didn’t necessarily grow up going here (my malls were summit place and great lakes crossing), but my mom had an apartment in the area in the 90s and went here a lot! i think of it mainly as the mall that housed the jeepers indoor amusement park i used to be obsessed with as a kid when it was over at great lakes crossing, and i subsequently got to watch it die over at lakeside when i got too old for it. thank you for the shots of the empty store, i probably won’t be able to go back before it’s demolished so it’s a nice thing to have!

[@stevebayt145]

every time I watch dead mall videos since my first being Bright Sun Films Randall Park Mall. I fantasize how easy it would be to work at a dead mall either as a cashier or security guard..... How can a place that big even pay for heat, electricity and water...Once again a great use of history with actual footage of when it was busy.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks Steve!

[@JohnnyinMN]

One thing about the internet is how much it opened up my eyes to how many people have a fascination about dying malls. Being young and moving to Minneapolis, I remember Apache Plaza, Brookdale, Burnsville Center, and Village North. Most torn down now. Enjoy your time capsule documentation and love reading the comments. I’m glad I’m not alone.

[@benb8407]

I like the design of Lakeside Mall the lights and skylights are beautiful to bad Lakeside will be no more Happy Birthday Lakeside mall.

[@cshubs]

It's amazing there are any stores at all.

[@toryberch]

Lakeside Mall was my first happy memories when I moved to Macomb back in the early 90's it's sad it's closing as of July 1st 24 it looks just as stunning now as it did then ❤❤

[@zenguitarankh]

Dude your narrations are always passionate, heartfelt and genuine. Really putting yourself there. Kudos.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks dude!

[@shilanwooten6158]

Just followed this week and have been looking forward to this all week! I’ve always been fascinated by dead mall videos but you absolutely nail the feeling these places elicits with the music and production. Looking forward to more!!

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thank you so much Shilan! I’m glad you’ve become part of the family here!

[@GBooth]

"You're left with the many Lord & Taylor logos to remind you that you've made it, but your destination is no longer here." Nicely scripted. Sounds like a metaphor for the American middle class in the 21st century.

[@danprovost7089]

Great video! The first time I visited this mall was in 1977 when I saw Star Wars with my cousins.

[@WhittyPics]

Glad you are feeling better. Walling off empty stores is a common tactic, even for small malls. It is too nice a mall to be dying. Those skylights give me Randle Park vibes

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks! And I agree, Debartolo and Taubman seemed to have a similar need to built as big as possible, especially with those ceilings

[@GalvanizedArt]

A lot of good memories here... My parents used to take my brother and I here for lunch when we were little. there was a really good Chinese place in the food court that would give out general tso's chicken samples, and a good coney island as well. I used to go shopping here with friends right before christmas when I was in high school and college. And there was a Warner Brother's studio store here about 20 years ago that I thought was so, so cool as a little kid.

[@Innocuils]

The WB Store was awesome!!

[@glammyykk]

When I first moved to Macomb, this was the first mall that I went to. This was about 9 years ago and it was packed! Shame on them for closing a mall full of memories!

[@Innocuils]

SO much time spent here as a teenager....makes me sad to see it in this state. Seeing the seating areas at 16:54...those were the makeout spots (if it was a slow day) hahaha. Bringing back a wave of memories watching this.

[@ari..._]

I live in that area, and can confirm that lakeside mall is dead for sure, but the hottopic and FYE there are still great! they have tons of awesome stuff and the employees are super nice!

[@mjh48059]

I was at this mall just two weeks ago. It's definitely in its death throes now. Only one tenant left in the food court, and the carousel is long gone. Most of the storefronts are empty. That Cinnabon left after COVID hit. Yeah, once Partridge Creek opened, Lakeside began to struggle, and yet I remember it still being a pretty happening place as late as 2012. But it never recovered after COVID, and perhaps the writing was already on the wall by that point. I've got a lot of memories of this place. My parents used to take me here back in the late seventies up to the mid-80's. When I used to live in Port Huron back in the 90's, I would drive down here on occasion, even after Birchwood Mall opened. It simply had a lot more to offer, and certainly enough for me to make the drive. Now? I'm hearing that they're going to start demolishing the mall by the end of this year, or early 2025. All those memories, and watching this video with the vaporwave playing in the background, and it's history being told, hits hard right in the feels, man. 😥

[@JenniferinIllinois]

There it is! CINNABON!!!! Noooooooo, it's closed!!!!! One day. One day you'll find an open Cinnabon. 😉

[@Bigzeebear]

That seating area is amazing I would grab a coffee and sit there all day listening to podcasts in that seating area. Or bring a laptop and do some work there. Also I’ve been looking for good video on that lighting above the seating area it’s a very early 80s aesthetic that I want to install in my room, thank you for a longer shot of those lights

[@TheGjergj79]

Lakeside was my favorite mall to shop at. So sad that it'll be torn down in july,lots of great memories at this mall.😢

[@ampersand2001]

I used to go here while growing up. It was always fun to visit. Personally I preferred Oakland Mall, but this place was a lot of fun too. And then we got the second part of Somerset Mall which was sooooo fancy.

[@benb8407]

I really liked Somerset mall yup, really fancy mall the few times I went in the early 2000s largely 2000 & 2001 last time I went to Somerset was fall of 2005. My feet were barking from all that walking in the mall and the rest of the day.

[@PrimericanIdol]

@@benb8407 Somerset is still alive and kicking almost as much ass as in the 90s and 00s.

[@pauly676767]

Before the hydroplane, it was an ice rink .... Played hockey there...

[@kitw76]

This mall seemed awesome back in the day!

[@Tomotasauce]

I hate just how empty this mall has become, when I go I barely see anyone there but when I was a kid it felt like a them park😂

[@TaraSuchitra]

I miss my childhood so much when I see this :(

[@stot2614]

I didn't get that escalator sign either... especially since the elevator wasn't operational as well. Oh well... but as for a Cinnabon in a mall, come down to the Tampa area...we have at least one mall with a completely operational one in a center kiosk. 😉 Thanks again for another mall video, especially of this size as mentioned.

[@timpeltier2901]

you do very good work 👍

[@Dany-si8it]

I just like how it is retro looking it just so cool to see

[@kurisu7885]

Last time I was in there it was bustling, then again that was around Christmas and a few years ago.

[@jacobbartolotta7704]

I'm thankful you covered Lakeside Mall so thoroughly and taught me a lot of history of a place I grew up going to with my family. We will miss it, but im glad this video stands to hold some of its history and forever freeze its aesthetic in time. Much love!

[@detroitshadowlands]

FYI: there's a VERY busy Cinnabon at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thank you! I will definitely be hitting that one up

[@PrimericanIdol]

@@NorthCdogg22 GLC is definitely far more active, but it's now considered an outlet mall. The Bass Pro Shop, Burlington Coat Factory, and the standalone restaurants AND the gigantic food court keep it on life support. It opened merely 2 years after Somerset Mall was completed. Those 2 also contributed to the death of Lakeside, Universal, and Summit Place.

[@miseryleech]

I’ve been to this mall a few times!!! This was always the “expensive” mall according to my family so I didn’t go often but when I did, the carousel was open. As for 24:52, from what I remember, that spot wasn’t a restaurant but it was an area for people to sit down and eat their food away from all the noise. Usually I saw big groups of kids, old people or parents w/ new babies sitting there. The art was either local or from high school students if I remember correctly

[@commonsense5729]

Still in pretty good shape to😊

[@LeDomingo]

I’ve been watching your videos for about a year now, waiting for the day you finally get around to touring one I’ve visited. Now it’s happened, and it feels kind of surreal seeing its state on youtube of all places.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Very clean, and very nice mall, Good up 👍

[@30roundz]

12 oaks mall in the next county over, (also a Taubman mall) has the same white walls for vacant spots. Nothing stays vacant for too long at 12 oaks and the mall occupancy is quite robust.

[@Rainbowdragon2]

A year late...but I put this mall in the search bar. They are keeping it open until they have a closing party in June. I went there last month in April. There were people walking through it, some people even bought merchandise, but the stores were mostly closed. It was depressing, so much so that I vowed never to go back because just walking through it was making me SAD!

[@TheGjergj79]

July 1st is the official closing😢

[@GBooth]

Taubman really, really likes those mottled marble floor tiles.

[@PhantasyStarved]

24:48 This was just another seating area, at least going back to the early 2000s. It's where I used to commonly sit because Kerby's Coney Island had the end spot right there. That aside, it's impossible to explain to those who weren't around to see it how packed this mall would get. As far as pure pedestrian traffic would go, this mall went undisputed as the busiest mall in the Metro Detroit area until Twelve Oaks in Novi started creeping up on them in the 90s and Oakland Mall coming in third. But as busy as Twelve Oaks would get, while not being a small mall, it was smaller than the gargantuan Lakeside and it had much, much less parking, often at 100% capacity during Christmas. The swarms of shoppers at Lakeside in its prime was a sight to behold.

[@jenbtruther4life94]

That store front is fairly new. I could tell you stories from the glory days. My grandma was a mall-a-holic. We were at Lakeside at least twice a week. We lived in nearby Warren which is the third largest city in Michigan. We lived right at 13 Mile and Schoenherr. But I digress. At one time there was a water park called Hydro Tube. It was in the wing where the food court is and the food court was built in the mid 90’s. Until then it was another corridor, and in that corridor was HydroTube indoor water park. The first of its kind. The story goes that an entitled fat guy wanted to ride the hydro tube but an employee warned him not to and the man threatened to sue for discrimination. They let the man go down and he got stuck and SHFD had to come and cut the tube to get him out which he ended up suing anyways. It the. Became a two story arcade. Next door was A&W root beer. The anchor stores were Sears (my ma worked there from 2000 to 2004 in the kids dept), Crowley’s (a Detroit Metro Favorite), Hudson’s (another Detroit based cathode not u like Macy’s later becoming Marshall Fields and ultimately Macy’s which my grandma never saw and would’ve loved because she was from NYC), JCPennys and Lord &Tailor. Between the Sears Amd Crowleys (now Macys men’s) mezzanine there was a huge area w a stage and a series of steps which as kids we called the Play Area. Kids Would rum IP and down the steps back and fourth while the parents sat on the cushy leather sofas. To the horror of the parents there was a Toy Store Circus World Toys and Mr. Bulky candy shop (they had candy by the bulk) it was on the right hand side adjacent to play area as you proceeded towards Sears. Before I was born there was a Roller Rink/Ice Skating at the mall which eventually was taken down. Restaurants in the mall included Elias Bros Big Boy, Arby’s (became Friendly’s and then back to Arby’s) Jonathan B Pub, Ruby Tuesday, Sbarro, Hot Sam, and there was a cookie and muffin shop over by Hudson’s (now Macy’s women’s) and you could get slurpees and muffins or cookies and that was next to SunCoast Video on the lower level. Stores like Winkelman’s, Gantos, Alvin’s selling their blinged out sequin sweaters with large shoulder pads were big draws, there was even a movie theater one time on the lower level by Hudson’s. There were three toy stores at one time. A Coffee Beanery on the middle over by information which was adjacent to The Disney Store between information desk and The Water Fountain and elevator in the main Mezzanine. My grandma always knew the good sales going on, if someone was tryna find stores she always knew where everything was. This truly makes me sad because this mall was an intricate part of my life. It connects me to my grandmother and all the good times. She went mall hopping all the time. Lakeside twice a week, one day at Macomb Mall on Gratiot and 14 Mile, Oakland Mall in Troy at 14& John R, Universal Mall which was (no longer) at 12& Dequindre in Madison Heights Warren border by Mott HighSchool and Eastland Mall on 8& Vernor which in the 80’s was starting to get to be a rough area. Good memories. Beautiful eulogy.

[@ryananderson3627]

Good Evening Great Video U Did An AmazingJob Have A Blessed Night.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thank you Ryan!

[@samac80]

I enjoyed the video, having lived around the corner (literally) for 28 years raising our kids this mall was a staple. I grew up in Lake Orion, remember when the mall was built, it had an ice rink. It was beyond cool and because a place for teens from all over to shop, skate. By 1982 I was living 1/4 mile away... It was great.

[@mortb9]

This hurts my soul. I grew up in this mall. Loved your vid. I'm at the 14 minute mark. I'll need to watch the rest later. Can't take anymore tonight,

[@denial987]

Great video! A whole lot of history behind this mall, very interesting.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks Alan! It’s always fun to find out the backstories behind these places

[@denial987]

@@NorthCdogg22 you're welcome and thanks for making such fascinating videos! It is a shame this gorgeous mall is slated for demolition. Think of how many memories people had working and shopping at this mall and spending their childhood going here with their families.

[@PitzkeMP]

My heart genuinely broke when the sad camera panned occurred after discovering the empty void that was once the cinnamon goodness of Cinnabon. Rip my dude, may you find your Holy Grail of food court Wonder's someday I truly want to believe❤😂

[@FinalVisionChannel]

This was my favorite meal to go to growing up

[@OLIFAB]

Fantastic video! Wow what a beautiful Mall! Absolute shame it's getting demolished 😢

[@basitk12]

Love it

[@user-sc1es4wz4g]

Awesome production quality

[@Vikabro]

I used to love going there.

[@rogertoaster9385]

You are my friend from a past life (approx. 3 generations ago). Hi Carl!!!!!!

[@ashleymeadows3410]

Great video! This mall is so beautiful, it's sad they are going to tear it down or let it rot.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thank you! It’s sad it will never be like it was back in the day..

[@Wesley_C]

Now, it gets very better of this mall, this is truly amazing mall, seems so fine.

[@charlesboyd3633]

I believe the blue red and purple store was a barbershop for children where they had a theme where all of the stations were circus animals

[@N8bo]

If memory serves - you are thinking of Circus Cuts which was down the entrance hallway in JCPenny's court that was next to the pet store. But, considering I havent been there in too long, they could have moved and rebranded. I'm pretty sure that location is where Glamor Shots used to be decades before.

[@JoshYT1]

Great episode as always! You know the inside is going to be a treat as soon as you see those geometric triangles near the entrance at 2:44! I didn't know hydrotube was a short lived brand, I thought it was an exclusive attraction at Southridge Mall in Des Moines (Yes I remember that mall video lol.) Thank you for the info!

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks for watching!! And I knew someone would remember Southridge! Yeah I’m right there with you, I completely thought Hydrotube was exclusive at Southridge, but apparently they were at several other malls scattered around the Midwest

[@JoshYT1]

@@NorthCdogg22 No problem, and yeah it really is interesting!

[@vietnamvet6726]

We moved out to a new sub one mile north of the mall in 1977 and spent many hours with our kids here.

[@mattbsautismadventure1]

It’s closing July 2024

[@sunsetrecords2548]

As always amazing video. And what a beautiful mall. Sucks it's all going away in a few years

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks! And yeah.. With Lakeforest also closing, and so many more Taubman malls going away it’s sad we are loosing these 70s cathedrals to postmodernist America

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

Lakeside will close for good as of July 2024. I am just wondering how far behind their sister mall Fairlane is ? And what will happen to the steel sculptures that were placed in the Anchor corners of the malls? Both malls opened in the mid 70's and fared well until 2010. A supposed casino will take the place of Lakeside. And by the way... Fairlane which opened a year before was and is still larger. It being located on land purchased from the Ford Motor company, it had an ice skating rink inside as well as a monorail system you could take from the 2nd level in the center court ( with a total of 4 levels all together in the mall) and you could ride in one of two passenger trams to the 12 story Hyatt Regency hotel and convention Center in the malls parking lot.the food court was huge! That area blocked off usedvto have table upon table seating. A&W subway, Chinese, Coney island just to name a few. The carousel was a double decker! With a double stair case to the upper floor of it! Partridge Creek is now faltering as well. It doesn't take very long for things to go bad in a crappy economy. You will be in Flint at the Genesee Valley Center! Thank you for taking me to a wonderful memory fill trip that I spent during the entire life of Lakeside until 9 years ago when I moved to Tennessee, but I do recall taking my daughter on the carousel for the last time in 2014.😢 My childhood from 40 years ago closes down every year before my very eyes! NORTHLAND in Southfeild MI Then Eastland in HarperWoods MI And basically Lakeside in Sterling Heights MI next months😢 How I Ling to go back 30 years for just one day to stroll down memory lane.

[@MrAytown]

If only US malls were like the malls here in Australia, and include *grocery stores* inside their malls and other specialty grocery stores they'd have more traffic coming in because of convenience. People can get what they need from JC pennys, then go downstairs to the trader joes/farmers market/walmart and shop for groceries. Makes sense

[@sargenttibline3165]

i used to work at the zumiez upstairs. Management there was afwul, but the mall was relatively popular right before covid and after the lockdown was lifted. each day i worked, however, less and less customers would show up. i was eventually fired for false reasons, but its a shame to see how unpopulated the mall is compared to the early 00's when i was young. Parking lot used to be filled to the brim. The blue, red, and purple storefront used to be a small candy shop. My grandmother would often take me there until it closed for good.

[@varyar77]

Fantastic video, as always, even if the topic is depressing.

[@ldrstar]

My teenage hang out spot heck yea!

[@cgimovieman]

My grandma lives in Sterling Heights just a couple of miles from this mall. But I’ve actually never been to it. Oh, by the way, those areas of recessed seating are called conversation pits. Man I feel old knowing that. 😆 Most malls used to have those back in the day, along with fountains all over, but over the years both have largely been removed.

[@NorthCdogg22]

Conversation pits! That’s right! I couldn’t for the life of me find that out!

[@cgimovieman]

@@NorthCdogg22 Sorry if I was stating the obvious. You know, having grown up in Michigan in the 80’s and 90’s until I was 19, I’m actually kind of angry not only that I never knew or went to this mall, but also that it will be gone soon. It’s amazing! It should be preserved and serve as a museum or something showing how malls looked in the their golden age.

[@Retail_Adventures_With_Alex]

Great video what a mall sad to see it go soon

[@NorthCdogg22]

Thanks Alex!

[@wayawuffin]

oh wow! i was thinking about how much this looked like my local mall, and then you popped up pictures of its “sister mall”, fair oaks mall at 28:20 - my mall! hopefully a little while before we make your to-visit list 😅

[@NicholasShade-eq1ts]

I love that carousel. 🤎🎠

[@SynchroSk8]

My mom LOVED Lord & Taylor… I have to say, its one of the best logos.

[@julianneale6128]

@ 26:13. Steve & Barry's was a great place! Right next door to the where the faded Sears sign used to be. I used to get filthy humourous T-shirts from there and wear them all over the world, as I travelled an awful lot. I still have quite a few left from that time. Its amazing how a t-shirt can outlive the actual store it came from. Such an absolute shame.

[@mikerocks56]

Lakeside had a large skating rink when it opened. Later, the hydro tubes took over that space then an arcade. That wing was later torn down to make way for the food court

[@N8bo]

The arcade's name was Tilt and it is sorely missed! I never knew that used to be a hydrotubes setup. Learn something new every day!