Exploring the Abandoned Cincinnati Mall - Annoyed Security

Today's setting of the exploration is in fact a mall you could enter yourself, open to the public but decaying walls, mold, broken windows and vandalism strikes this dead mall. Originally Forest Fair Village Mall , opened in 1989 the first year all 3 major anchors went bankrupt. Leading the owner to sell the mall and the new owner to redevelop it once again with dire last hopes for a successful investment, but from day one no one liked it and it has been empty and echoing for years now and years to come. If you enjoy the video make sure thumbs up and subscribe for more historical videos.
Instagram @Dark.Exploration

[@gretaburgdorf317]

i live super close to this mall. since it’s abandoned, one time my friend and I were wearing heelys and riding around because the floors are nice for heelys. a security guard on a segway came up to us and told us no wheels in the mall. NO WHEELS IN THE MALL. HE WAS ON A SEGWAY!!!

[@rx500android]

Amazing🤣

[@myahl8742]

I do too I’m sad looking at this video lol this mall was fun

[@kelseydeney]

They don't want you to get hurt on the property. That's common sense. Security guard just said it that way.

[@jasonjones3694]

@Eternal Sinner 2015 gauging by the movies in the theater marquee

[@sfletch3042]

@@kelseydeney calm down it's funny. Lol

[@nolvicsekeon]

Everytime I see the abandon building I'm imagine when the building surrounded with people and activities and feel sad knowing its all gone.

[@crazycatladyoftullamore5176]

Same here 😔

[@keithbaker1951]

The giant ferris wheel was a magical thing and my parents hated going to this mall the prices were higher and it was far away from where we lived. I came here with my wife to see the mall i hadnt been too in 10 yrs only to feel like it was a zombie apocalypse and it was amazing the doors were still open... God how sad..

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Keith Baker - the Ferris wheel sounds cool! 🙂

[@Alisha_79]

Same!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

*sips tea* 👍

[@des4127]

These make me so sad. Growing up in the 90s I never imagined this would happen to malls. Great job.

[@truttman]

Malls were dying left and right after the 80s, so it wasn't hard to imagine at all.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Des - I agree... I love malls! Ours are still ok... except for Sears is gone. 😕

[@bighands69]

@White Boy It has nothing to do with the number of malls or online. Economic activity is declining in the US. That's what happens when everything is made in Asia. A productive economy has people manufacturing stuff, supplying, servicing and selling. If any of those are skipped it will create a dysfunctional economy. Everything now has become a race to the bottom were cheap trashy products is the norm and people cannot understand the concept of quality and value. Just because something cost 99 cent does not actually mean it is cheaper than something that cost $1.5 as value is not being considered.

[@Michael20]

@Crystina Walls amen. Times have gotten worse for sure esp with the internet and social media

[@DanielGarcia1980]

Look up Cinderella City. That was a mall in my hometown, Englewood CO just south of Denver. Built in 1968 it thrived for just over 20 years before newer malls in the area took its toll on Cin City. by the early 90's it was all but abandoned as it lost most its 5 anchors to the newer malls. Joslins was was the last to leave in 1992 when it relocated to a mall 5 miles away. by 1995, when most of the "dead malls" these days were still thriving, Cinderella City was abandoned a set for demolition. The only remains of the old mall, a beautiful 12 story 1970's bank, a Chuck E. Cheese, and department store turned Englewood City Hall/Police Station. The remainder of the property was turned into outdoor shopping and restaurants, and a transit oriented community for the light rail line that was built through the property.

[@HunterAliciaInspired]

Imagine being hired to guard an empty, dead mall >_

[@HunterAliciaInspired]

@Bill Williams not 👏 all 👏 heroes 👏 wear 👏 capes! 👏

[@biancacamille765]

The saddest thing ever. What are they going to do prosecute him for filming? They don’t even care about him as a security guard, he doesn’t even have a uniform. Who’s cousin is this who can’t get a real job with a W2’s?

[@206am7]

I think it would be fun, then again I wouldn’t care if people were taking photos

[@jonahbartolome2674]

I’d be scared asf being hired by myself

[@myahl8742]

Hunter Alicia and they thing is we can still go in there to walk around that’s what people do to excise I even used to do it not a single problem

[@Gypsy839]

I think that the security guard doesn’t have anything to do so he told you no filming ! You made his day!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Connie Miner 👍

[@steuk6510]

Are you male or female Connie

[@Gypsy839]

Ste Uk why?

[@kcrowther14]

He did say no pictures not no video lmfao XD

[@PeterGriffin11]

Guys just doing his job.

[@SKEPCUNT]

I imagine how survivors of the zombie apocalypse would build a strong, tight knit community in there.

[@Epic_Shotz]

I always think like that lol. But it would be a target for anyone else attempting to take your territory. Like the prison in TWD.

[@susannawolf]

the last of us vibes kinda

[@annawebb5070]

Daybreak?

[@alisterfolson]

Negan types would love this during the zombie invasion

[@williamtye7927]

so much room wasted, it would make a cool condo complex, lots of skylights for indoor vegetable gardens and swimming pools. maybe have a post office, grocery store, the essentials. imagine owning your own business in the same building you live in.

[@DeadAbeVigoda]

I was going to buy the abandoned doomed mall that's destined to be torn down but if someone has _pictures_ of it, well, you can just forget it now!

[@Brayby23]

this is so funny!

[@JW-ty4zf]

The elevator still works? I wouldn’t get in that damned thing LOL

[@justincooper2631]

Like the guard says, we have no idea why they don't tear that atrocity down other than the Bass Pro Shop. It's for the mall walkers I guess but the owners continue to sink so much into it for one anchor.

[@SeanFerree]

For real!! 😁😁

[@richarddressner639]

Me either. How many years has it been since serviced? Easy to get stuck between floors with security home sick.

[@ogkyi8350]

lol recently just went here , it’s still works !

[@ronspaulding1007]

I think that security guard is just a drunk guy that stumbled over from Applebee’s

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

Middle-class retail is dying. High-end retail and discount stores are growing. The reason isn't only because of online retail. The middle-classes income share has shrunk, the lower end of the middle-class and affluent classes make up the lion share of retail now.

[@80HD8]

Security says don't film, finds out your from NY says don't let me catch you lol.

[@MeiToob]

NYer respect... Since I'm from Queens too, he might have given me the keys!

[@magseh4433]

Maybe the security guy has told his friends and family that he’s head of security at a busy mall and is worried about getting found out!!!

[@B-MoreCity]

@Bill Williams 🤣😂🤣😂

[@JKjoKErz]

😂

[@dopecutie3x]

they should turn old malls to apartments, a college, homeless shelter or hospital.

[@bigkahunaburger5185]

I’m not sure who ‘they’ is, but I like your repurpose idea. I also think this could be good office space for businesses that won’t want to be in downtown anymore after COVID. We need to spread out and these dead malls can help us do that.

[@Toinnmann513]

Hospital is right across the street from it. The mall is actually on sale for $55 million.

[@CBXweb]

@@bigkahunaburger5185 The property owner. They is the property owner. Do you choose to be dumb?

[@eaglescout1984]

The unfortunate truth is buildings like these (shopping centers with leasable spaces) are seen merely as an investment and slowly but surely as stores close, they stop making the money they need to maintain certain parts of the building, so things get neglected. Eventually, there begin to be major issues that require significant repair. Additionally, any dwelling or healthcare building would require a total gut and rebuild of systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing due to the increased size of those systems. And once it's all said and done, you wind up with a building that costs about as much, if not more, as a new similar size building and it's not as functional because the envelope and structure were built with a different use in mind.

[@nikkimcdonald4562]

@@CBXweb IKR.Some people are so dumb.

[@DixieMelody]

Security: "No pictures." Ten minutes later, you're filming again. (You're such a REBEL.)

[@_gregc]

When Security said old people like to come in and walk around lol. I used to live there and did just that. Nice building

[@brucejohnson9696]

I don't have a Lamborghini, but if I did I wouldn't care if people took pictures of it.

[@stanedgie5910]

aggree... and if u park your car in public, u cant stop anyone from taking pictures... IQ if that security is probibly his pay... in the lower 100...

[@frankyu553]

Not gonna lie this security's pretty chill comparing to others; wouldn't know he's security until the word on the back of his shirt lmao. Really wonder if the thing about owner passing away so his children can split up the estate is the real story, since that'd explain a lot about why no one's doing anything to the property.

[@Michael20]

It makes zero sense bc land is more expensive than physical improvements. Well generally

[@raikouisawesome4074]

It’s sad to think a once bustling mall is now empty and dead, it sucks to see that. Whatever is left, may be the remains of something once good.

[@ChucksGhost01]

This mall started out half empty when it opened in 1988 and pretty much got worse over time. The arcade area was pretty popular back then though. It never took off because there was already a huge mall the next exit down the highway and the area was becoming progressively less affluent.

[@TomFooleryTheAustere]

“... because of the new age we’re living in”. Scary thought. Great video, just a terrible subject.

[@mlyon1476]

I just feel the need to put this here: Avengers: Age of Ultron, the sequel to The Avengers. Released in 2015. #TeamIronMan

[@PandorasTmrw]

I loved that the movie tags were still there. It allows explorers to figure out the timeline that it closed.

[@claytonbigsby423]

I was literally scrolling down to find someone who put this in 🤣🤣👍👍

[@shiiiiiine]

Wakanda forever! #RipChadwickBoseman

[@mlyon1476]

🖤

[@IndexError_]

You crushed my soul. Forest Fair Mall was incredible before the mills took it and gutted it. Forest Fair used to have a full size plane hanging over the timeout which was the gaming area, a full size ferris wheel, an artist built a working sculpture for the front entrance that made this cool wind chime sound, there was a carousel, laser tag and tons of other stuff. It was a fun and bright place always packed and the assholes of the mills who have now wrecked the Pittsburgh mall as well, ruined it. They took everything fun out of it and basically replaced it with bass pro shop and Burlington coat factory. They took the malls soul, chewed it up and spit it out. When he was in the elevator that section he was looking at used to be the timeout gaming area. You also should have done the parking garage elevators if you could. Every famous Cincinnati red s baseball player had a painting on the walls of every level. Also you're wrong on the history. This mall sits on the border of Forest Park and Fairfield. The reason it went bankrupt in the 80's was they couldn't agree on what to name it so some people boycotted. Then it became forest Fair Mall and they spent money adding timeout. Then when mills bought it which they only bought it thanks to gaming consoles, the only money the spent was removing all the cool stuff that was there. They invested nothing into making it better. One more thing, contact me and I will tell you a funny story about that so called "security guard" lol Here's a link I found of what it used to look like before the mills bought it kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2mklWl4bNySpdU

[@stephanieturner6692]

I used to go the night club in there. I don't remember what the first name was, but I do remember it being call metropolis it may have been that all along. Good bit of history I never knew and in Cincinnati my whole life.

[@IndexError_]

@@stephanieturner6692 wasn't that where Cheyenne cattle company was? Cheyenne was one of the last places to go before it was just Burlington and bass pro that's why I ask. There was one next to the food court first floor and if you went up the escalator in front of the cinema there was a second club near a second floor entrance.

[@stephanieturner6692]

@@IndexError_ I'm not sure but it really does sound familiar. I think you're right though.

[@IndexError_]

@@stephanieturner6692 I think I remember what you're talking about. My mom and I used to work during the holidays doing the santa and Easter bunny photos at Forest Fair. I basically grew up there lol :)

[@stephanieturner6692]

@@IndexError_ it was inside the mall had 4 different clubs/bars, then they moved it, changed the name and you had to wait inline outside. The inside one was awesome.

[@valentinius62]

When did people get so weird about public photography? All I can come up with is it's a way of compensating for lack of control over anything else in their lives, or fear of losing control.

[@stanedgie5910]

aggree, and specially in a run down, broken mall that is not even making money... and all that money spent to keep it open (electricity, water, one security guard), makes NO sense. and saying that the old folk like to walk there.. i would not go there. surely there are public parks and gardens which are MUCH better to walk around and FAR safer than a mall wher one wrong step could cause lawsuits for the owner.

[@rebeccafoltz5033]

I grew up in Cincy, and remember this mall well, when it was actually a popular place to go (although seemed like it was ALWAYS under construction, and changes happening all the time) back in the 90's. When it was Fairfield Mall, it was a very popular spot to go see movies. So crazy to see this! That "security" guy was quite ignorant. Thank you for this explore!

[@chadwickborawski1718]

U know after that security guard sees this video, and realizes his face isnt blurred, he's gonna end up suing u, for atleast 2 million! #homeboywantsalambo

[@bellateramo5163]

Chadwick Borawski that comment made me actually laugh out loud.

[@chadwickborawski1718]

@@bellateramo5163 Thank u! Also an even bigger 'Thank u', for actually typing LOL! I sometimes go with, "You made me laugh out, to the point that the volume of said laughter wasnt loud, however it did occur at a reasonable level, somewhere inbetween 'Loud' & 'Can u turn it up please'! Granted its alot to type out. However those extra added key strokes, has made me look like a sophisticated genius to my peers!!

[@jajajajenny6428]

perfectly legal to film

[@nikkimcdonald4562]

@@jajajajenny6428 no it's not. It's private property.

[@corstang3312]

Not so private anymore

[@medranochav]

finally someone else who's not familiar with avengers

[@aileengarvin3632]

Me either. I have no intention of getting familiar with them either

[@rewy11]

@@aileengarvin3632 Yall are missing out. Avengers are for everybody.

[@aileengarvin3632]

@@rewy11 definitely not for me

[@jessielee3464]

I took my kids there a few years ago....there was one place open a old school arcade that was pretty amazing. We walked around and photographed the mall....it was surreal, absolutely.

[@hannahbeth92]

I used to go to this mall A LOT with family, friends and I had a few dates at the movie theater there too. It’s so so sad to see it in this state. I made some good memories there. 🥺

[@awhileaway5817]

This place would make an awesome set for a Dead Rising film.

[@SeanFerree]

Right on!

[@cj3617]

Omfg he found out you were from NY and was like “actually ok you can take a few pics and then leave” lmaooo

[@Ohiocolts]

This place confuses me to no end. About a year ago, some friends (college aged) and I were walking around just looking at stuff, and I security guard told us we couldn't be walking around unless we were walking to the arcade, even though plenty of older people were simply walking around. We decided to leave, and look at some more stuff as we were leaving. This same security guard was literally stalking us on our way out. When we were near the door, I could see his head keep peeping behind this pillar looking back at us. None of my friends noticed and I'm like "guys uhhh lets go". It also is so weird how incredibly strict they are about photos/videos. If someone wants to know the state of this place, there's already tons of videos (like this) on KZbin that can show that. These guys aren't hiding anything. Hearing what the security guard in this video was saying was so interesting and intriguing, cause they're always referring to this mall owner and everything. This place has been in this state of it's only visitors being to walk around or go to the arcade for probably 5 years, but it's just been pretty dead in general for maybe 15 years. I still have so many questions about this place and don't know how it's still operating to this day. Thanks for the video!

[@cincyman321]

I work next door to this mall. I was actually in there last week. I was there opening weekend in the late 80's and it was an amazing place. It's been bought and sold numerous times. Plans have been made and fallen thru. Two problems brought this mall down: High end stores in a not high end area, and security could never control the groups of out of control teens that used to make shoppers uncomfortable. Bass Pro Shops and Kohls are still there. Once those are gone, lights out for this place.

[@StarEquipment1]

I walked through there last year. Early fall, I believe. There was like a trampoline place or something? And maybe some other business next to that. Are they gone as well?

[@justincooper2631]

Do you work at Dave & Busters?

[@cincyman321]

@@justincooper2631 no. Dave and Busters is a few miles down the road. I work at Cincinnati Financial. Its the large office buildings next to this mall. We would walk over to the mall at lunch and eat in the food court. Well, that was about 11 or so years ago

[@farahghafour2658]

The “security” is using something 😂 He’s not a securityguy, cause when you do, you’ll definitely get a suit and gear, not looking like some random dude.

[@lexythrockmorton6430]

nah dude thats literally security lol, they just sit on their ass in an office unless they see someone on the outside cameras

[@farahghafour2658]

@@lexythrockmorton6430 wow, that’s very professional 😂 not

[@annieclarf5367]

Last time I was there it was uniformed security on segways, seems like a downgrade

[@Kdog4660]

The first thing places do is cut shit like security to save money, and it ends up costing them more in the end often.

[@jesse156]

My goal someday is to explore places like this and film horror movies

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Jessica 🙂👍👍

[@PositivelyPositive11]

You must get the creepiest of feelings doing these videos. I sure do watching them. Yet I do as they are fasinating to see how things were and and how they went away. This mall is very sad. why it is not used to do something for others? such a waste. thanks again for showing us around. Keep em coming.

[@elihartsoe6718]

it’s so sad seeing all these malls close. the one closest to me has been dying for years and will be gone soon. so many childhood memories

[@jmjfanss]

I personally blame not only online shopping, but also these dreadful trade agreements like nafta for ruining american manufacturing and the automobile industry, no thanks also to both political parties.

[@jillzegarra8878]

I love watching your videos because you are so real, down to earth and very articulate. In my opinion you stand out from other people that do abandoned explorations and I’m so glad that I subscribed to your channel! I look forward to more videos from you in the future.

[@kimb4285]

Isn't it eerie seeing it like this, all those shops and space, what a shame, bet it was amazing in it's time, full of people meeting their friends and shopping together, having lunch, bit more shopping, I wonder what will happen to it. Won't be long before it closes, they can't keep a massive place open just for one shop, what happens if a large group of people decide to go in and cause chaos, he's go no chance, but most of the time he's on his own. Fab video, thank you for sharing.

[@artpalmer9668]

FYI: they’re now letting people walk it like a track. I remember being here as a 12 year when the bottom floor was rides and getting phone numbers and thinking I was hot stuff.

[@alexuspena-bishop6846]

Amazing videos! I have watched several of your videos and your respect for the buildings is awesome! Keep it up! Also, thanks for keeping the history alive!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Alexus Pena-Bishop agreed! 🙂👍

[@MichaelCKJ]

Great video. Bought back many memories of walking through this mall when it was in it's heyday. Biggs Hypermarket (A huge grocery store that also had general merchandise as well) was it's biggest anchor store. The mall did not have any of the well known anchors such as Penny's or Sears. I think the fact that Tri-County Mall just a couple of exits down and the Northgate Mall not that far away had to do with the mall's failure which I believe the owners of the mall filed for bankruptcy within a year that it opened. When this place was lit up and bustling with business it was a spectacle to be seen. One of a kind mall architecture with vibrant lighting throughout made this mall the best. The only other malls that even coming close to competing was the City Center Mall in Columbus (now gone) and the Union Station Mall that was in Indianapolis (gone as well.) After Biggs Hypermarket left the mall basically went downhill. There have been at least a couple attempts to bring the mall back, but without acquiring some big well known anchor stores, everything is left as you see it here. So sad :(

[@vrede9050]

Someone tell me where I can get this type of security job. 😁

[@Harley-and-Her-Ruff-Riders]

Somewhere filled with so much mold it is almost definitely a health issue. My job got closed when we accidentally found spores under our carpet and a few people out of 200 got sick. This place he could smell it coming from carpeted areas (movie theater) and you could see the rotting floor from leaks.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Cris wow! 😮

[@purpleku7768]

Uh....Cincinnati?

[@SeanFerree]

Lol!! Same

[@Kdog4660]

You would be shocked at how many security details are like this, especially if you work nights at a place where most people are in bed by the time you come on shift.

[@gpknowles7174]

This is so sad. I haven't been to a mall since the 80's. When I was a kid and young adult, malls were all the rage. I would have a hard time believing that the foul-mouthed guy in shorts is "Security".

[@Bratty_Batty]

If you haven't been to a mall since the 80s you're part of the problem, get out there! It's sad im only 27 and I cry realizing malls will soon be as rare as drive in movie theaters. (Which i also love)

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

GP Knowles - I agree 🙂👍

[@ChaCherryBomb1313]

Not everyone can afford going to The mall!

[@SimplyJ888]

The overall place still looks kinda nice. Props for pointing out the colors and decor. I can tell that it was a fun place to be at in its heyday. Beautiful abandoned buildings make me sad

[@spiritofpast900]

Amazing video Devin, like always 🥰And like you've said, so much space left behind. Very strange case, in my opinion 🤔

[@frankiereneaward9281]

Soooo....are you getting sued now?😂😂😂

[@Debb1963]

Great video!! Took my kids there many many years ago to shop. Yes that mall had issues since its inception. Kohls is still there too. Used to be a Biggs a long time ago. Thanks for sharing!!! 👍😊

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Deb1963 🙂👍

[@granthoward1770]

Devin is an amazing presenter. The pace and content in all these clips is awesome. The research and behind the scenes pre-work is excellent. Should have a regular show on Mainstream TV. Knock spots off regular presenters. Good luck and continued success guys, you’re awesome!

[@victoriakunkel5976]

What a waste of a beautiful building. It's so sad to watch places like this mall go obsolete. You're amazing, keep up the great work.

[@michaelsbbygrl05]

Wow, this video is amazing. You do good work. Big props for Special Guest Star Security Guard

[@ItsTheLittleThingsInLife1111]

I miss this place, believe it or not. They had an awesome Bath &Bodyworks outlet store. Loved taking my kids to that little play area you showed us at the beginning. Broke my heart to see it like that.

[@Solmead]

I remember being in that mall when it first opened when I was a kid. The food court was originally on the top floor towards Biggs. And the entire open bottom area where the food court ended up was a huge arcade area including a putt putt golf course. Was in there about 9 years ago to see a movie and at that point it was a ghost town, with only a few big stores holding on.

[@valashardtoysntapes]

I live a few miles from here and visit a few times a month, there are some details that were left out. Bass Pro shop isn't the only business open. There's also a Khol's, Bee Fit gym, B Adventurous (a children bouncy house/obstacle center), and the AWESOME Arcade Legacy. While the mall is falling apart it's really a beautiful space and given it's so large and empty, it's quite well maintained. There's usually one security guard working and if you're polite to them they're pretty cool.

[@DarkMachineNation]

That's about 15 minutes from my job. One thing, you didn't look into Arcade Legacy? You and the guard walked right past it. It's the only active store *inside* the mall. Great arcade machines and console games in there. Other than that, it's pretty much a casual urbex location.

[@Ceqic]

Went here today 😂 it’s so nostalgic of the 90s-2000s era, there is blood on some of the walls in some of the restaurants. There is one arcade open in the main part

[@wowlife2169]

I don't remember but there was a country taking these closed malls and making different size apartments and then there was some businesses setting up a grocery story, and coffee house, places that they thought the apartment owners would shop at. They had at the farside a club for younger people. They put a medical office in it. They had gathering areas for the apartment owners. Under the lighted areas they built boxes that apartment owners could grow gardens or trees that they could take care of. They were selling them, to older people and younger people.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Wow Life - 😮

[@Alisha_79]

That's neat! I think it would be a great way to help the homeless too.

[@emilylauren4388]

I was just watching one of ur videos off my recommended and went to watch more and found this, this is where I live lmao. During Christmas they had the inside decorated which made it creepier they also had a play place for kids that you have to pay for to get in, it used to be a little arcade type thing and had a little dollar coaster and smaller rides in it too.

[@deandradale980]

Back when this mall was Forest Fair Mall it was the best...you could do everything there, it had rides (merry go round, ferris wheel, bumper cars, etc.) a full arcade, movie theater, BW3s in the food court, and great stores. So much to do and a great hangout. Once they sold it and changed it to Cincinnati Mills it went completely downhill

[@webeeankylosingspindylitis7838]

Hi Devon!this has become the norm as malls keep closing.here in east TN we just had a mall close on Jan 31 2020.I am enjoying hearing the history & seeing these places.I'm glade people r documenting them because 1 day they might all vanish. :-)

[@jamesb3184]

It isn’t abandoned. There is still a small arcade in the actual mall and in addition to the Bass Pro Shops there is a Kohl’s. EDIT: I’ve heard there is a mean security guard but I haven’t actually seen him until now.

[@Fun2654]

The arcade moved to a new location

[@arianecarriere5179]

Hey, I love you’re videos and IV been thinking about giving you guys a suggestion of what to explore next if possible...like a habandoned prison or grave yard if possible it would be cool

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Ariane Carrière - I go in a lot of Cemeteries, etc. please visit my channel 🙂👍

[@hollyjones5927]

I'm so upset while watching this video. I have childhood memories of this mall and it's sad to see it so empty and broken down

[@marcustmachado]

This mall needs som zombies

[@lordmichaelnolan3993]

"If you build it, they will come."

[@ladyoflimerick519]

Hello from England. Another intelligent and fascinating insight. Love this channel.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

clogga boots 👋 hello from Washington State

[@ladyoflimerick519]

Hello Erin! Would love him to come over here. We have lots of abandoned places...maybe I should do it and start my own channel. 🤔

[@katarinacarlos9251]

The Bass Pro Shop is actually closing and moving to a new location, farther north on I-75, at Liberty Townships new shopping facilities. Bass Pro Shop is supposed to close (I believe) in September, because supposedly, they're supposed to reopen in Liberty Township, in time for Christmas.

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

Awesome job on this exploration!

[@A2L112]

I doubt the Bass Pro Shop will ever close, I live close to this place and whenever I go to the bass pro the place is always *extremely* crowded.

[@nickyoung630]

Telling by the movie titles the theater closed in 2015

[@fireballchaser]

I own dozens of guitars today. One of my absolute favorites came from the guitar store here. Good memories!

[@loveanditsstory]

They guy who said you cant take pictures is a bunch of bull. People still jog around the inside of that mall in the winter for exercise and a blogger and local news have taken pictures and video.

[@carolann8286]

LoveAndItsStory I would think it would be a huge liability for the owner if one of those joggers or walkers fell or got hurt in what appears to be an unsafe place for the public to have access to.

[@stanedgie5910]

@@carolann8286 then why keep it open? Not taking pics vs still keeping a place open where u CAN get sued because u ALLOWED people in? I dont see the logic between the two.

[@Mattz9]

Great video! Thanks for the background info.

[@Hammface]

@4:32 “Sir...you can’t take any pictures”...my answer..” no worries mate am not taking pictures am taking video” 🤣🤣😂

[@crazycatladyoftullamore5176]

Such a waste and very sad to see only one shop in such a big mall open. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. From your Aussie friend Ann xoxo 🤠🇦🇺

[@maplemanor]

This is too funny. The second time that, you got busted, ''for taking pictures'', you continue, to "take pictures". with the security dude, in it, that said that he could lose his job...blah blah blah ..

[@stanedgie5910]

and seriosuly, what is there to "hide" that u cant take pictures, yet people can walk the mall... logic, ZERO!!

[@williambuffong8252]

just a thought....why not re-purpose the mall into dwellings?u have gated communities, why not malls? the basic infrastructure is there...

[@Alisha_79]

This is a great idea! It would be a perfect way to house homeless and help them get back on their feet!

[@Epic_Shotz]

Alisha Schaeffer And watch it turn into a drug den riddled with crime and dysfunction.

[@marckosky1376]

They lack plumbing

[@bighands69]

Hey why not gather around and we can do Ring a Ring o' Roses, sing hippy songs and the world will be a better place. Why not let all the homeless into the area and it will rejuvenate the palace. And left wing socialist students can do the art for the place and make it a safe space.

[@CARBONHAWK1]

@@bighands69 what’s your issue my guy? Leave them to die? You sound like the same savage you try to make them out to be.

[@frschoonover1]

WOW! This whole thing regarding dead and abandoned malls represent the end of an era on many fronts. It seems like only yesterday when these were THE latest innovation in shopping mainly because there was an entire variety of stores under one roof. In my hometown, Niagara Falls, NY, we had three shopping malls, which were Summit Park Mall (later The Summit), the Rainbow Centre and the Factory Outlet Mall (now named Fashion Outlet Mall). Today, The Summit is abandoned, Rainbow Centre stood abandoned until it became a "culinary arts school and place", leaving only the Fashion Outlet Mall the only mall in my hometown. Nowdays, the shopping mall has been disregarded with online shopping and mail order businesses being the dominant forces in which to buy and sell. The thing is with shopping malls, you could shop and try things on and also, you could meet new people and make new friends while enjoying lunch there after shopping. You can't do that with online and mail order shopping. I still have wonderful memories hanging out at all of the aforementioned malls in my comment and with the the first two no longer around, IMHO, life really isn't the same anymore. Plus, these malls had video game places where you could play the games for only a quarter,, but now, the video game place has also disappeared from the only mall still in my hometown. It wouldn't surprise that within the next several years, the only mall in my hometown will also be dead as well. It's still thriving now, but again, it could wind up dead years from now, which I hope doesn't, but these days, it could happen. Things sure have changed for the worst from those days onward and I do miss having three malls here, but again, it's the sign of the times. By the way, enjoyed the video and I am now a subscriber.

[@thebteamgamingchannel5701]

I was just there last year. Even though I grew up not too far away from the Cincinnati Mall, I never went there as a kid. I was sad to see it practically abandoned except for a gym, a Bass Pro Shop and an arcade. Those were the only things keeping it on life support and I wished I could've seen it while it was still in its heyday. The arcade is still worth a visit. Got a t-shirt from the place because I had a sinking feeling that it too would close down soon.

[@roxiiemanzano7370]

I'm such a fan of ur works!!! love from ph 🇵🇭

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

roxiie manzano 🙂

[@BenLaurence]

You better start saving up that 2 million dollars 😂 Definitely agree, why even have this place open? It’s a waste of money haha. The mannequin store had some seriously good deals!!!!

[@stanedgie5910]

2 million lol, he wont even get 2000!

[@garyg7769]

I grew up in Cincinnati and moved to Florida in 2003. Even when brand new that mall had an empty feel to it, large expanses of just walls between stores. It never had the potential to justify the investment to build it. It was doomed to failure from its inception. Within 5 miles there was Northgate Mall and Tri County Mall, both had been in existence for decades. The developers of Forest Fair Mall seemed to have the attitude they were going to come to town and take away the business of the other 2 malls. Didn't work out too well....

[@Robert08010]

We had a brand new mall in 1982 and it did well for many years but by 2000 or so it was obviously struggling. It seemed to always be under new management. Just about the time the rents dropped enough that a church decided to open a store front in the mall, suddenly the teens no longer considered it thee place to hand out. Imagine that! Once the teens moved on, it went down hill fast. One anchor store closed which gave the whole mall a look of being half dead.That was the first thing you see as you approached. The last time I was there, I was shooting a concert to promote a new business a friend just just opened in the food court. We ran a little over and the security guard stopped the show because it was 7:45pm we all had to be out by 8. I guess it was past his bed time I guess.

[@lexythrockmorton6430]

my childhood, man. this place was packed every weekend

[@sparrowJ09]

If I would’ve been that security guard I would’ve let you talk all the pictures you wanted. Let’s face it, Malls are becoming extinct, why not take pictures that one day you can sit with your great grand kids and share some history with. Great job on the video!

[@nicholaswilliams8470]

12:00 back in the mid 90s They used to have a great haunted house near the bottom of those steps in a couple of the empty store spaces.

[@codymiller182008]

I think I’ve been to this mall before. After you mentioned Bass Pro Shop that confirmed it. I use to go there with my dad when I was younger.

[@vaughnlcoleman]

to put this into perspective, i was born in 2001. i used to visit this mall as a kid, all the time. i loved it, they had a PBS kids exhibit i would play on all the time. (shown at 1:45) it was only until 2006(?) when i remember this mall dying. such a vague, but sad, sad memory. i now understand how all the older people feel seeing the malls they once loved as a kid fall into pieces. and yes, i am a native to Cincinnati, i grew up here. so this really is my mall, next to Kenwood.

[@lindsayscott1953]

My grandma would take me here so often as a kid. I recently visited here with my boyfriend and was very nostalgic. Felt like she was still with me in a way. I know it's wasting space and useless, but I would be heartbroken to see it get torn down.

[@liamthemarchingbandguy4063]

A mall in my hometown has completely shut down and the doors are boarded up now

[@keithbaker1951]

So sad i used to love goung there it was kinda magical compared to other malls like northgate and fairfield... its so sad but there is a " constant" when it comes to the downfall and eventual destruction and crime especially in Cincinnati that slowly invades destroyes moves on and the destroyed areas are starting to not come back like when i was a kid the city is dying... but we have a street car!! Yaya

[@Kneehiable]

Keith Baker Tri County is same way, not as decrepit, but getting there

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Keith Baker I agree 👍

[@tanner3268]

I live by the Pittsburgh Mills Mall in PA. Coincidentally, it too is on its way to being shutdown. Only a couple of stores left. The decor is similar to this mall as well. “Mills” must be some type of mall branding.

[@davewilson6451]

I live near St. Louis Mills mall......another dead mall. About the only store left is a Cabellas but it its access to the inside of the mall is now closed. It's spooky, like this one.

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Dave Wilson love the spooky looking ones.

[@StacyCatProLLC]

I went to Arcade legacy at the mostly abandoned Cincinnati mall on January 23rd 2020 with my closest friends on that day. It was also my 20th birthday too.

[@ryanhadley6504]

I remember going to a part of the mall there called bourbon street it was a wing of the mall where it was bars and night clubs. Fun times

[@NonsensicalNation]

Love that place. I've been there a few times while visiting in town to go to Arcade Legacy.

[@c0mpuDer]

This is like the new rolling acres. Dead and then it will close down, get vandalised and then demolished for a amazon fulfilment centre, etc.

[@JoshRazauskas]

I’m from Dayton and I’ve been to this mall! This just makes me very sad!

[@shadowlink2000000009]

These are some good HD quality videos!

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Thad 1990 - 👍

[@gregpohl412]

We have several similar malls here in St. Louis. The Mills at Hazelwood is almost exactly same. Only store still open there now is Cabela's, also now owned by Bass Pro.

[@barbaraossandon6929]

i used to come here so much when I was little. it’s so sad to see how things change ...

[@DasGonz13]

Wow my first time watching an 'abandoned' and it's a place I've been to! I remember when this mall was poppin. I think Bass Pro is trying to move a few miles north to West Chester.

[@firemanfireman7228]

Well i saw the other one first now this one.The owner is old making payments to the bank when he passes away it will be paid off then the children will sell it or tare it down.thanks bro for sharing it again. FIREMAN