Mostly Abandoned Shopping Center - Charlottesville, VA

Mostly Abandoned Shopping Center - Charlottesville, VA. Enjoy a look at some of the old tenants of this shopping center that moved out or closed completely. The place is not entirely closed up and vacant. There are still several open businesses. Will anything move into the vacant buildings? Or will they stay closed up like this for the foreseeable future?
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#abandoned #giant #wallieb26

[@bnorris5398]

I worked at that Office Depot for four years in the late 90’s. That shopping center used to be packed. It’s a shame they continue to tear down forest area and build new shopping centers while letting these go to nothing.

[@rbisme113]

I live on the opposite side of Virginia and it infuriates me that developers do that here too. Why not renovate and reuse? Love your videos Wallie ansd Kayla!

[@WallieB26]

I completely agree with you and Renee. This property could be redone and bring in new tenants instead of letting this become an eyesore and just rot away after enough damage was done taking out the woods and natural landscape.

[@thomasc5817]

@@WallieB26 gotta have new businesses in order to develop. Commercial property is becoming a wasteland the more we get stuff online.

[@pacmancdi]

Please do more videos from cwcville .

[@jparr17]

used to shop at this Giant all the time when I first moved to Cville. The worst thing about the overdevelopment here is the exorbitant pricing that's starting to go with it

[@julianhermanubis6800]

I am familiar with that shopping center. Mykonos was a good Greek restaurant with very pleasant owners. They had very tasty Greek chicken dinners. And Plan 9 is a record store chain out of Richmond, VA. The Charlottesville one used to be near the UVA campus in a much larger shop, but it moved out to this shopping center years ago and has been kind of getting by ever since.

[@induss1491]

plan 9 moved to albemarle square shopping center, not seminole trail, seen here

[@julianhermanubis6800]

It was in this shopping center at one time, but it must have moved again. It's been years since I was there.

[@moved683]

Awesome 👍

[@eaglescout1984]

I've been to this place many times throughout the years. First was with my mom grocery shopping at the Giant. At the time, there was an IGA and a couple of Food Lions on our side of town, but Giant always had a better selection, so we would take the drive there. Last time I was there, I bought a bicycle at that bike shop. I've bought things from that Office Depot (before Staples opened a location at the former location of the IGA), the Big Lots, and have eaten at Cici's as well as TCBY before it was Mykonos. There's a couple reasons this place is so abandoned. One is increased competition. Giant and Kroger almost sat across from each other on Hydraulic (there was a Kmart shopping center you could cut through to get the Giant). But then Whole Foods opened on Hydraulic, followed by Trader Joe's across 29. And some years ago, Giant opened a location on Pantops. So, Giant just figured to focus on their Pantops location (whose only nearby competition is Food Lion). The other is increased retail destinations. Speaking of Trader Joe's, it was part of a new shopping center called the Shops at Stonefield, so that increased the available leasable restaurant and retail space in the immediate vicinity, and it was also in the county as opposed to the city (See: Virginia independent cities), so taxes, especially on restaurants, were lower. Stonefiled also had a movie theater, which there used to be one adjacent to Seminole Square, but it was long since closed. So, being able to catch a movie, have a meal and shop was only possible at Stonefield. (Ironically, they just announced that theater is closing and that lies with the next shopping center and its movie theater.) Then 5th Street Station opened. It's not in the same area as Seminole Square, but it has one huge advantage, it's right off the interstate. For anyone not familiar with Charlottesville geography, the interstate that goes through the region is I-64. It passes just south of the city proper. The other major highways are US-250 (which basically parallels I-64) and US-29. US-29 is a north-south highway and passes on the west side of the city. All other roads in and around the city are your typical "street level" roads. Additionally, only a small portion of US-29 is limited access. Most of it through the city is at signaled intersections. So, it's not a quick drive from the south side of the city to the north side. Seminole Square is on the north side. It's convenient to the homes on the north side and anyone that lives north of the city and uses 29 to commute to work (without using Rio to go downtown). But, for anyone living on the south side of the city, south of the city, east of the city, or west of the city, 5th Street Station is SO much more convenient. And that's probably what prompted Marshal's to move. They saw the opportunity to appeal to a customer base long neglected by the shopping centers to the north. I can get a lot more detail about the dynamics of Charlottesville's retail centers (especially the Downtown Mall, you could write a whole book about that), but that's a good overview of the forces on Seminole Square and its ultimate demise.

[@denisemartin2868]

My daughter graduated from UVA in 1998 from the School of Nursing. That shopping center was booming back then. She would take the bus from campus to grocery shop at Kroger. Actually, that was the first Krogers I had ever shopped at. A lot of shopping centers close because the owners that owns and rent out the stores (Realty Companies) go up on their rent and the businesses can't afford. But, as we all know, the Pandemic had a lot to do with it. Especially when the government started closing Schools and colleges. It's a crying shame. Charlottesville is such a gorgeous place.

[@kewldude432]

Not a Kroger, AGAIN.

[@thomasgathright9519]

Wallie mentioned the bike shop. Performance Bicycles - the nation's largest bicycle retailer - opened and closed two shops in Seminole Square, first in 2000 next to Mykonos Cafe (roof leaked constantly), second in 2016 down the sidewalk next to Marshalls until Chapter 11 shut it down in 2019.. A drunk lost control of his Escalade in the parking lot and punched a hole in the concrete wall at Marshalls. Remember a deer running into the shopping center wall as well. Good times!

[@MrElwoodjayblues]

This video is nice to watch especially late at night. Keep up the good work Wallie! 👍👌

[@brandonb.6099]

I love when wallieb26 does videos of any abandoned retail stores and shopping centers. That Marshall's store looks like its still open with all the lights on inside.

[@saulgoodguy1840]

During quarantine for COVID, UVA actually rented out the giant to use for a makeshift vaccination/booster center. They offered it free for students and faculty.

[@robertmailhos8159]

Congrats on your your first giant grocery store that is absolutely abandoned

[@tempest2000]

Whenever we're in Charlottesville we go to the rock shop and Plan 9. Plan 9 is one of the best and last record stores around. The rest of the shopping center is derelict and has been for years now. Why? Real estate in Cville is sky high!

[@matthewhenry7792]

Ps side note that giant is not from the Martin's chain it was the giant from maryland

[@lizhuffman5537]

i remember when the Giant first opened. They had two aisles of dry goods in barrels.

[@amandaclick3590]

The Cici's Pizza in my local town of Lufkin, Texas is still open and in business! ☺🍕😋 I ate there today. I ordered me a thin crust supreme pizza to go and man it was delicious. 💕❤ Wallie, you do a great job with your videos! They are always awesome! I enjoyed watching! Thank you so much!

[@MrIceman22]

Keep up the good work Wallie! 👍👌Awesome video :D thanks for sharing it :D

[@MathewRiley]

Ahold Delhaize owns Giant (Landover, Md), Giant/Martins (Carlisle, PA), Stop & Shop, Fresh Direct, Hannaford, and Food Lion in the US.

[@markbjostad7273]

In 1991 I worked at Disctraxshuns. Next door was Barr-ee Station. Party City and TCBY was still a thing. Giant was big time and the shopping center was always packed.

[@induss1491]

and crystal connection

[@703am]

multiple closed stores, can't beat that, enjoyed

[@lindamikel7913]

Hey Wallie are You Having Good Friday for Today. What You Doing This Weekend.

[@delaineu7340]

I remember there esa a water problem brought on by the new mall across 29. They took them to court, but got no resolution.

[@KevinLuke89]

This place was awesome in the 90s! I lived right across the road from it. Overdevelopment in the area killed it flat. They build Stonefield right across the road and also another new mall across town instead of revitalizing it. They also built an entire shopping center towards the airport that stole traffic from here.

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

I should take a tour one day!

[@EZ_Boi4]

I used to go here when I lived in VA. Looks way different after 2 years

[@Kohanski5]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Really into vintage, and your videos are just perfect. Please keep up the good. All the best to you and Kayla.

[@danestegman155]

Good video! We just had a Marshall's close up earlier here in WNY, this year. It is now a Sprit of Halloween store for now! Lot's of abandoned stores and shops here in this shopping center, that you were at.

[@elizabethorsillo7187]

I totally miss CiCi’s Pizza, too! I remember there were a few locations in my area…Hermitage, New Castle, Butler. Then all of a sudden, they were all gone! 😢

[@ReaIly]

Still got a bunch of cicis here in nc

[@The_Spectre.]

Very sad to see, indeed. I used to stock beer at that Giant store in the early 90's. I thought the Kroger across the street would move there. It never happened. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@MariaCruz-ob6le]

I sad to see all this business come to a close..😢😢

[@williamstockdale4833]

YOU ARE THE KING OF HAPPY AND GAY OF OLD❤❤❤❤

[@supermarioscarlett]

Hi

[@katscott6282]

Many a memories in that cicis! The concrete tubes out front used to be fountains!

[@jeffreypeanutbutter5347]

Hey Wallie B26 I’m GIANT fan….. of your channel absolutely luv y’all’s content nobody is doing videos like you much respect 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 my only complaint Is really wish Kayla would get involved more with your video I completely understand why I remember u saying something like some little punks where making her feel uncomfortable but I would never disrespect you or her I’m just fan of both of y’all I think y’all are so funny an an great together anyways keep up the good work an happy Halloween🎃🎃🎃🎃Ps. When u gnna do more Halloween content????

[@WallieB26]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm so happy you enjoy the videos. Yeah, sadly some idiots ruined that for everyone. I really loved having Kayla on camera. I'm hoping to get at least one or two more Halloween videos up. Christmas videos begin very VERY soon. Lol

[@anthonymartin7395]

The Mykonos Greek restaurant used to be a TCBY when the shopping center first opened

[@thomasc5817]

Muhammad Ali used to have property in Albemarle county and I would load their groceries in their car as I worked at that Giant. Lol

[@jet34thehawk]

Cool videos man all day favorite now

[@ronaldareyes9899]

Hi 👋 Wallie I 👍Place ⚾️ Too In 🏙 Dallas.

[@joeydersario2470]

it was very interesting thanks kayla

[@ericbechler9903]

Nice wallie 😃

[@bestestimesreborn]

Be good to see malls that are still fully in use as you never know what could happen

[@CODAZ06]

down on the other side to the left of where the video started there used to be handful of shops. one was an incredible seafood restaurant call Tiffany's sea food. sadly the owners stepped away and the land owners bulldozed it to put the road through. just 2 doors down from that is a pet store i use to love and worked at for a time called pet forum. shame what happened to that place. still friends with quite a few people i met there. really is sad to see all that empty space not being used but if i remember great eastern was expensive a decade ago, not sure who all owns it now.

[@bestestimesreborn]

I also like your videos of partly abandoned malls

[@chadsteiner7049]

lived in charlottesville in the 80s, left in 91. I lived close to that area. Interesting watch

[@HisokaYugami9210]

Sadly, all the CiCi’s closed in the NC (RDU) area about a year and a half ago (I wanna say)… I miss their soups and their cinnamon rolls.

[@Spcpaducah112]

Mac and cheese pizza is my favorite

[@BuffaloChicken]

Nice video!

[@strobe4796]

I used to eat at that Cici’s after every soccer season as a kid, it was packed. Sad to see the state it’s in now.

[@victorbarajas57]

Wallie great video,wow that place is abandoned, I recommend you check out the danville mall

[@michaelhannell4083]

You will love plan 9 music. We a plan 9 in Richmond as well. You would live walking the businesses where plan 9 is in Richmond

[@morecrazybeastYT]

Yeah another banger video and how's your day and thank you for making me hungry 😂 but ngl I enjoy ur vids and when I get older I want to be like you looking at abandoned buildings let's keep the train going 😂😂😂😂😂 I said train bc u do train videos 😂

[@authjw]

Ive been to that Marshalls… it was small inside… but strangely most new Marshalls are small as well.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool😀

[@robloxgaming-km3rg]

The giant did relocate

[@OhPunky]

My aunt worked at Giant for years…

[@bigelarkin1]

There is two divisions that are owned by ahold-delhazie. There is PA division that is that that’s Giant in the red letters and that division own Martin’s since the Martin’s name is also in red letters- then there is a Maryland based division that has a completely different logo that Giant in the purple letters and they own stop and shop

[@brucemiller4849]

The difference between Giant and Martin's is that Giant is union while Martins is not.

[@stevenjamesmontgomery]

I like the video.

[@mirandavanzee6366]

wow

[@jennifergarrett6809]

Lots of abandos for the price of one.

[@daytonafuntim]

Have a Kmartlicious day!

[@WallieB26]

Thank you! You as well!

[@pahcsva]

Retail rent in Cville is ridiculous.

[@nickmoney]

Marshalls could still have lease on building but need to get fixtures with no urgency since it'd be corporate sending more professional crews to get them.

[@crystalscan2002]

that Gaint looks like it was big grocery store

[@gradymcclintock3766]

There probably still cleaning out the Marshalls

[@ToysRUsRocksAmazonno]

Go to sedilia missouri they still have long johns silvers wallieb26

[@Iloveshestyy]

Were i live in Florida (not gonna say) there's a cicis pizza and its so good

[@robertmunoz7543]

Should be in same area as wendy if I'm correct!😳 Jman

[@moose4164]

I havint herd if big lots

[@matthewhenry7792]

Giant foods n martins are based out of carlise pa the other giant is based out my Maryland we are all under the ahold umbrella but run under our own umbrella

[@antmanbee100]

Giant Supermarkets and Giant Food Stores

[@nickhill8612]

Maybe that's why most of the tenants moved and hopefully relocated it water damage.

[@abandonedmass2333]

Stop and Shop is the same thing as giant

[@pmc1000]

The CiCi’s was sad.

[@jlprindle1]

Giant is known to abandon buildings and build a bigger and better store. Not surprised here.

[@jlprindle1]

Carlisle, Mechanicsburg (2), Enola, Dillsburg, New Cumberland, Gettysburg all abandoned and moved into bigger better stores.

[@ecosby100]

With real estate as high as it is. You think these would be turned into apartments

[@WisconsinCentralProductions]

theres a really cool 70s brookshire brothers in lorena, tx right off of i35

[@donaldklawon5375]

WallieB26 got a question why do u park so far away from the building? LOL

[@WallieB26]

I cant get a good thumbnail if I'm parked up against the building. Plus most times I don't want the car in the photo.

[@Theprodogegameeytp82]

why did Cicis pizza close

[@MyNAMEisLENNYboyyy]

Mall name?

[@someguy23475]

Do you realize DO YOU REALIZE something let me tell you. If the health department of Greene County sees this video that you put on the internet, they could condemn the building and you would have to move out of it?

[@WallieB26]

LOL! RIP to Lumberjack Bob!

[@brianleeper5737]

It's Virginia. They won't do anything, unless maybe if someone complains. And I saw nothing that could cause that building to be condemned.

[@justinconner100]

The reason why giant is empty and all the stores next to it kroger bought it to be a super Kroger But never ended up happening so it sits empty So then big lots and marshals were not getting much traffic so they moved to busier areas Kroger ruin that shopping center The owner of the shopping center is sewing kroger now Because they wouldn't sell to another grocery store when they wanted to buy it they didn't wanna have competition take their store that they own kroger's kroger's very greedy company