Military Circle Mall - Final Look Before Demolition

Military Circle - The Final Chapter. #dmod #dyingretail #MilitaryCircle
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Opened in 1970. Closed January 31,2023. Military Circle Mall has a scheduled date fast approaching with the wrecking ball. This video offically ends my journey with Military Circle Mall that started in 2021. As with all beginnings there also is an ending.
See the final view inside Military Circle Mall in Norfolk, VA. I was granted access in April and again in May to document all I could. I had access to areas never given to me before which also includes a last look inside the Cinemark 18 Movie Theater. This footage shows the mall at 3 months since officially closing to the public.
The city of Norfolk plans to redevelop the Military Circle Mall site into a mixed-use development that could create new retail, dining, entertainment, and residential spaces for the community.
The Economic Development Authority purchased much of this area in 2020 with the ambitious goal to redevelop the area into a thriving walkable district to support an inclusive, healthy, and sustainable mixed-use community.
The area will be transformed into "a holistic health and wellness community with a walkable street grid" that will "create a sense of community and a central location to spend time with coworkers and peers and provide employees and residents with more opportunities for physical activity".
Enjoy the video!
#dmod #abandoned #closed #mall #demolition

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks for watching the latest video. If you liked this one, check out my video from March where I visited Virgina Center Commons in Henrico County that was almost completely demolished when I stopped by. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d17MioeAd7N2naM

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

Just found your channel! Nice vids! Subbed.🎉

[@DyingRetail]

@@charlestonpinballarcade Thank you. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying.

[@eddstarr2185]

If I told you that on my first day at Military Circle Mall in 1970 I could hear the ticking of an unseen giant clock in the sky - that would be a lie. In 1970, Military Circle Mall felt like a new permanent fixture in Norfolk, Virginia. That we have witnessed this final video of the intact structure reminds me that my own time on this earth is limited. My thanks to Dying Retail.

[@DyingRetail]

I am glad you enjoyed the video and yes, I’m being reminded more and more how important it is how we spend what time we have.

[@DG77733]

My childhood and teenage years. Thank you, so much, for sharing this. 💖💖💖💖

[@DyingRetail]

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed!

[@truckerjrock7414]

At 11:10 mark I remember as a child that store being a pet store during the very early 90’s. Everything from the Piccadilly Restaurant and the Carousel that sat in front of it brings back memories!

[@DyingRetail]

That one store did remind me of a pet store. Thanks for sharing!

[@RETROGEMS]

I remember Piccadilly's so well!! I loved their food. My mom & I would go to MCM & shop for a few hours then go to my fave restaurant for lunch. I still remember how good their Mexican cornbread & Mac & cheese was. I have awesome memories of this old mall. Also remember that beautiful Cinemark which was my favorite movie theater in all of Hampton Roads.

[@DyingRetail]

Yes. The interior of this theater was very nice. Sad to see what’s happened to it.

[@lindaw2502]

Rip Military Circle. My first full time job after HS was at Smith & Welton. I worked at other stores outside. It’s where I went to the movies with my friends and first dates. I remember walking out of Howard The Duck because it was SOOO bad! 😜😜 a lot of shopping at the mall. My wedding dress came from Leggets.

[@DyingRetail]

Howard the duck? That has been awhile.

[@plawson8577]

@@DyingRetail In May of 1991, me and my Chum played Castle of Illusion on SEGA Genesis Kiosks inside the Electronic Babbages that used to be on the 2nd Level and we saw Sonic The Hedgehog 1 for the Very First time on Display in a Trial Release Cartridge. It absolutely CRUSHES me that Military Circle is No More.;(

[@RETROGEMS]

This mall was a huge part of my 90s childhood, no exaggeration. So many good memories were made here. Lots of awesome family shopping trips, lunches at Picadilly's, visits to Suncoast video store where I started to become a classic movie buff, and of course almost countless trips to the BEAUTIFUL Cinemark theater that was designed kinda like an old-school movie palace. I even remember the '96 renovation when the mall had a ton of money invested in it to be more of a 'premier' shopping destination. I was 9 years old & was so impressed by how beautiful & classy everything looked. But eventually the mall ended up sliding downhill. I moved away from the area in the early 2000s so didn't go to the mall afterwards but heard how the mall simply was unable to regain its former glory. And now of course this year I heard, to my sadness, MCM had totally just folded back in January. It's a little piece of my childhood gone....I know it was just a mall. But after all, these places don't just represent bricks & tiles but nostalgia & memory. I sincerely hope it's replaced by something worthwhile.

[@DyingRetail]

I can tell how much this mall was a part of your childhood. I hope the video helped bring back memories. The good thing is we have the footage to look back on. Right now I haven’t heard which way they are going to go. City council tried to go immediately with Pharrell Williams vision but others called them out for not going with the established vetting process. I haven’t heard anymore further on the plan. Security told me when I was sneaking around with my drone that demolition has stopped til after the beginning of the year.

[@MrJeff757]

Thanks for posting this video. Used to often go to Military Circle Mall with my parents back in the 80s & early 90s. There was JCPenney, Thalheimer's, Leggett's, Smith & Welton (closed in 1990), Piccadilly Cafeteria, AMC Circle 6 Movie Theater, Hickory Farms, Wilson's Leather, Spencer's Gifts, McCrory's, and many more. I used to go to Waldenbooks, K & K Toys, Legends, Radio Shack, Mother's Records & Tapes (later became The Wall Music & Video), & Suncoast Motion Picture Company. There was also Wendy's & High's Ice Cream inside Military Circle if I remember.

[@DyingRetail]

Those were good times. I miss flipper McCoys!

[@JDubKillinKicks]

Crazy how some of the hallways and skylights still look so nice from the previous renovations for a mall being put to sleep. Love the lighthouse pole things.

[@DyingRetail]

The roof of this mall is really in bad shape. It appears the owners didn’t do much outside maintenance for 30 years. I found spots where you could actually look and see the sky. It’s a shame.

[@njaneardude]

Mom dragged me here all the time in the 70's, it was THE place for shopping. I recall going there a bit in the 80's. Thanks for posting.

[@DyingRetail]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-jv9ys6vn3f]

Sad, i remember going there on weekends going up one of the 2 ramps to the theatre, then going to Piccadilly restaurant for dinner afterward after the movie. 1980s to the 90s..

[@DyingRetail]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@donlott7072]

I spent so much time at this mall while I served in the military. 9 years plus. Very sad to see it go.

[@DyingRetail]

Yes it is. A lot of good times there in the 90’s.

[@drkmagneto]

Cool video! This mall was the first one I encountered when I was posted to Norfolk in December of 1988. It used to be such a cool mall. Used to go to the Waldenbooks, the Suncoast Video store, and the movie theatre pretty regularly. Loved "Gamestop" as well. Once each of those closed down, there wasn't much left except the movie theatre. The food court also was pretty nice too for a long time. As I recall, the Macy's used to be a Hecht's before it converted to Macy's. Used to love going through the Sears and JC Penney's to just look around. I remember that courtyard with the high windows, very pretty. Used to be a "Pet Go Round" right there I would go and look at all the animals I couldn't have in the barracks. The mall started going down hill around the time the guy got shot in the parking lot for stealing a pair of sunglasses. When all the reputable jewelry stores started disappearing and replaced with the no-name jewelers. When the wig store by the cinema left, you knew it was headed for closure when even the wig store couldn't make it. By the way, I was surprised you didn't have a respirator and a flashlight. Tools of the trade that are very useful. That doll was creepy! Looking at the ceiling collapsing right outside the movie theatre was shocking, to say the least. I saw sooooo many movies there, including "Jeepers Creepers 2", that I had to get a refund for due to a woman in the theatre answering her non-silenced cell phone at a louder than normal voice. I was not happy. I do miss the theatre though. This mall served me faithfully for almost 35 years! Thanks for one last look at a part of my life for so many years. I filmed a video for Pembroke Mall on the last day people were allowed inside and posted it last year. It was bittersweet as well as I loved going to all the malls here, Military Circle, Pembroke Mall, Greenbrier Mall, Lynnhaven Mall, Chesapeake Square Mall, and finally, Macarthur Center. Now, Military Circle is gone, as is Pembroke. Greenbrier is dying slowly as all the good stores and anchors are mostly gone. Macarthur lost some luster when the Apple Store left as are a few more stores. At least the City of Norfolk is not letting it decay away over several years. Really cool video!

[@DyingRetail]

Yeah. I learned LOL! Until the mall was closed, that courtyard in front of Macy’s was always closed and I never smelled mold. But it was lesson learned. Was the Pet Go Round outside of the Macy’s?

[@drkmagneto]

@@DyingRetail I believe it was to the right of Macy's but it's been awhile. In fact, the name of the store might not have been "Pet Go round".

[@DyingRetail]

I think Pet Go Round was the name of the one at Pembroke Mall.

[@toppppnotchlia.]

man. im now 14 mid 2020/2021 i was 10/11 with my moms friend and her daughter also the same her mom opened a store in military circle during that time she eventually left but im glad i still have pictures of us hanging out in there for the last time sucks how malls are really just becoming dead and online shopping has tooken over...

[@DyingRetail]

When did her store leave? Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@v.lynnlombardozzi9628]

Literally**... The wedding band on my finger of the hand holding this phone... were purchased in the jewelry store in military circle mall in 1994.

[@DyingRetail]

That’s cool :) congrats on 30 years!!!

[@meeshaaaa1]

Great video! I'm so jealous! I've been trying to get in and just have a look around for nostalgia sake and was hoping to encounter a construction worker or security to show me around but no luck. Thank you for filming this video, great footage & great editing!

[@DyingRetail]

I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. If you go into Ross’ you can look in the back glass to the hall wall in front of Macy’s

[@JohnLusher]

Looking forward to this one!

[@DyingRetail]

Hope you weren’t disappointed.

[@nancydarling4918]

Great video. Very interesting. Thanks.

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks Nancy. I am glad you enjoyed.

[@jenniferscharli9362]

Amazing Video! Thank you.

[@DyingRetail]

Glad you liked it!

[@cynthiaj.simmons870]

Great video I loved it and really long video too!!! 🤗🏢❤️

[@DyingRetail]

Thank you 🤗

[@mizFahrenheit]

Can't wait

[@dorothymurray7244]

This is sad to watch.l lived in Norfolk for 25ys.Raised both my daughters there.We lived at Dockside Apartments on South Military Hwy. Military Circle Mall was a Mall we loved going to.We would walk there every weekend n spend time there.If not shopping then going to Circle 6 Theater. It's really sad seeing that it's gone now.

[@DyingRetail]

Yes. It was very sad to see. The mall itself is still standing. The demolition process is paused until sometime next year. Maybe Summer.

[@masterwolfofthesea4817]

Amazing

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks for watching. I hope you enjoyed!

[@BETH..._...]

Good call leaving that doll there in the mall 😬

[@DyingRetail]

Yes. That would have really not been good in my home.

[@CFD236]

Good video.....I worked in security in 2009 at that Mall..... Greenbrier is next on the chopping block and McArthur Center 😢

[@DyingRetail]

Id say toss up between Chesapeake Square and Greenbrier right now. MacArthur still has possibilities. I’m glad to hear you liked the video.

[@CFD236]

@@DyingRetail yes I forgot about Chesapeake square mall

[@CFD236]

@@DyingRetail absolutely you do an awesome job

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks. I try. It’s always a work in progress. However, I’m dealing with an elderly parent who got out of hospital. I might be stopped from exploring for awhile.

[@norrisangle3678]

A lot of young adult years wondering those halls

[@DyingRetail]

True!

[@mandycarducci1143]

Amazing video, love it!

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks so much! If you haven’t subscribed to the channel you’ll miss out on upcoming malls.

[@tezza22c]

Have to ask what music do you use in this video ? It fits perfectly.

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks. I am happy to hear you enjoyed. The music came from Story blocks. If there’s a certain track you like I can try and find the name for you.

[@himebaughchris4026]

No more Friday "Gang Nights". Yeah. East Ocean View knows.

[@DyingRetail]

No. They had to move.

[@donald1379]

Thanks appreciate you....sad but this is the reality of retail...Malls were designed to fail.

[@DyingRetail]

Good morning Donald. Thanks for visiting the channel. I don’t know if we can say they were designed to fail. Seems developers went hog wild in the 90’s building malls on top of existing ones and then anchors were expanding at rate they couldn’t sustain. But that is an interesting take I haven’t heard anyone else mention before.

[@mandycarducci1143]

I am trying to buy the service clock but no response. US Marine retired here

[@DyingRetail]

Thank you for your service! This is the website of the auction company that was handling. I would contact them and see if they can point you where to go. If that doesn’t work let me know and I might know of another city contact. www.ladyantiquity.com/

[@michaelbutts2688]

Those plants still look healthy and happy. What will happen to them?

[@DyingRetail]

The ones not saved are probably going to be in the demolition.

[@theflaxxensaxxentake1874]

went on a date here with a girl back in 2014 i think, to see the denzel movie "flight". Thought the mall was dead even then, and had heard there was crime. But pretty girl called so I braved it.

[@DyingRetail]

Hope the date went well :)

[@Steve.Cutler]

Why is the video so dark?

[@DyingRetail]

??? Where? In the theater there was no more power. Some people tried to strip copper off of energized lines. If you are talking about some stores, most of them had no lights on. What are you watching on?

[@Sermox]

By the way, that painting is still hanging up! Sad to see that most of everything inside will probably be destroyed in demolition

[@DyingRetail]

Really? The painting outside the restroom or are you referring to the singer? Were you recently able to go in? I filmed in April and again in May. I’m sure what’s in the theater is still there as well. Is the armed forces monument still there by the clock?

[@Sermox]

@@DyingRetail yes the armed forces thing is still there but there is now a tarp near it and blank rounds for training on top. Not entirely sure why and the painting from the school children is the one I was referring to! I was able to get in recently and I wanted to see everything before it’s gone. Mostly everything besides the doll in your video being moved everything seems untouched.

[@DyingRetail]

@Sermox I noticed last time I was in that the doll had been moved as well. The rounds could be from police training. That really sucks if those items aren’t preserved.

[@y_uwannaknowmynamehuh741]

My childhood in one video. 💔🥹❤️

[@DyingRetail]

I’m glad you enjoyed.