PITTSBURGH MILLS - One More Time

[@jeffbarnes54]

Love that music, reminds me of the mall at closing time around Christmas when I lived in Colorado and worked at Buckingham Square Mall at Montgomery Wards. All gone now :(

[@UniCommProductions]

I never got to go to a Montgomery Ward and wish I had!

[@Nikkisweeets]

Thank You for being our cruise director today. You+Retail Archeology are tha GOATS!

[@UniCommProductions]

Awwww thank you! Being mentioned alongside Retail Archaeology is an honor.

[@moimoi8125]

I love going to semi dead malls to Walk around with my daughter it helps us get out get our exercise in in a safe and controlled environment with air conditioning we had one back home in Hawaii it still had business and a few customers but it was big and semi empty like this one this video rlly took me back to that feeling so thank you . There isn’t many dead malls out in Vegas I hope to find one not as busy it’s a nice escape reminds me of my childhood & my teenage years of just walking around and hanging out at the mall. Such a mallrat 😂

[@SticktheFigure]

It's so crazy to me. I'm 25 and from the area so I have so many memories of this place from the time it was first built. I think I might be part of the last real generation of mallrats. Whether that's good or bad I'll leave to you. But I spent so much time here with best friends, some I still talk to and some I've lost touch with over the last decade. I would spend what little money I made on my first girlfriend here and idle away with folks in the food court for hours. Every October for a few years I played in a Halloween piano recital in Borders with a bunch of other kids and then just read books I didn't actually plan on buying. There's enduring memories of doing not a whole lot in particular with a lot of good pals. I think the spookiest thing about the mall nowadays is how unchanged the place really is. Obviously there's three stores shuttered for every one that is open, but looking past that, it's still largely as uh....'pristine' as it was opening day. The glass alley still looks neat to me even now. Thanks for the visual trip down the dying (dead) walkways of my teenage years. Great video!

[@UniCommProductions]

You hit the nail on the head-that’s definitely the weirdest thing about this one. Most malls I visit are crumbling because they were built in the 70s but this one is still so clean and new looking.

[@mst3kanita]

I'm blown away that this place is only 15 years old.

[@UniCommProductions]

It shouldn’t have been built-it’s probably one of the newest failed malls in the country if you don’t count The American Dream

[@robjohnson8861]

@@UniCommProductions I prefer to listen to you vs dorks Dan Bell, Ace and Sal.

[@UniCommProductions]

@@robjohnson8861 I have a lot of respect for all three of those guys! I'm glad you enjoy my content.

[@mst3kanita]

@@robjohnson8861 I get it. :)

[@mattb9664]

The construction plans included building temporary private bridge over RT28 so that the trucks to move dirt conveniently for like a 1-2 year period during excavation. It was so ridiculous.

[@SynchroSk8]

This has so much more wood tones and beige! I am so used to the Mills BRIGHTness of color. But something they loved at all locations... damn CARPET. My goodness. Loving the content BTW.

[@UniCommProductions]

The carpet in this place is the least of its problems but I agree-yuck!

[@brentmartin1981]

This is my new favorite channel!!! I absolutely love how well you research each mall so well and the way you narrate it is so very entertaining with every detail unearthed, keep up the good work.

[@charliemccoy1452]

Glad to see a new video from UniComm, keep 'em coming! Nice bike, looks like a Can Am!

[@UniCommProductions]

It’s a Can Am Ryker which is the Spyder’s little, speedier sister.

[@domm.993]

Your videos are amazing...1000000% professional. Love your Dead Mall Videos over all the others. Your GENUINE. Happy Holidays from Pittsburgh Pa

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you, Dom! Happy Holidays to you as well!

[@domm.993]

Your tours are awesome. Ty for sharing. U d best

[@willcartoons]

You are absolutely right about documenting these mall closures on video. My favorite malls ever, River Falls Mall in Clarksville near Louisville and the Louisville Galleria, both died in the 2000’s decade. What I could give to go back in time and do videos about those gems!

[@UniCommProductions]

I grew up going to a really infamous dead mall (Forest Fair/Cincinnati Mills) and there is hardly anything out there from prior to when it was heavily remodeled to a point of being unrecognizable, and so the memories I had there are of it looking very different. I've come across both of the malls you mentioned while researching and there is so little out there about what they looked like. Thank you for watching!

[@mooviedude141]

This one hits my feels hard. I grew up hanging out at the Pittsburgh Mills mall with my friends, it was such a cool place to go when it first opened and I even worked my first job there at Macy's. Lots and lots of memories, it is sad to see what it has become.

[@jfranco77]

Also I really loved the note at the end about family memories. My daughter loved this mall when she was really little, like 2-3. That would have been 2012-2013. The play areas, the Sears Grand, the bright colors, the open spaces, maybe the Borders when she was really, really little... Even when she was older we came to a lot of movies here.

[@UniCommProductions]

That’s what it’s about-even just a few years ago we didn’t really think to take pictures of these places we built memories in, and now they’re sort of lost to time.

[@donnadreyer2580]

Pittsburgh Mills Mall is so Gorgeous inside, They need to get Retailers back in that Mall.

[@vtvincent4893]

Great trip through the mall... I live in the area and years ago used to walk it almost every day. I remember when it first opened I noticed how many vacant lots it had, it just went downhill from there, unfortunately. I haven't seen the place since COVID started, tempted to go back there one last time.

[@UniCommProductions]

You probably should-while no one has said it’s closing I don’t think it will be around more than another year or two

[@tammybrown4901]

Thank you

[@TERMINXX101]

Hey, great video. I just wanted to say that as a young local to the area who lives in another dead driveby town about 20 minutes away, I've always been aware of the local status of The Mills being that of a meme at this point, but I wasn't aware of the "legendary" status it had online. To be honest, it's as funny as it is depressing, because as someone who's grown up with it, (I'm 22 now), I hate seeing it in this state because it had serious potential as a property. But if I'm honest, the failure of this mall is more than just mismanagement. It's a sign of the failure and death of the region as well. Unless you are DIRECTLY in Pittsburgh, which thankfully is an up and coming tech and medical hub, the regions surrounding it have absolutely no commerce. Even the other areas with malls like Monroeville amd Greensburg are still drive through towns where there's just shit to buy, and that's it. The towns are dead or dying with rising crime and drug rates. Admittedly, the nature and outdoorsy market of products do well around here because of Pennsylvania's natural beauty, but Unless you're into that type of stuff, (most western Pennsylvanians are), you're shit out of luck. Hell, there are even still some areas near where I live that don't get functioning internet services. Think of it like this: why would I leave my shitty, drive through, nothing-to-do town, to drive to ANOTHER shitty, drive through, nothing-to-do town that has an equally crappy mall. I might as well try to enjoy the little bits of pleasure that come with being lucky enough to have some farmland, unlike most other people. Imagine how bored THEY must be. That being said, if the mall was less ambitious it could have fixed it, but this is unlikely still. As it stands, nothing groundbreaking has come to the region and everything and everyone has stagnated into just working but having nothing to spend it on other than the essentials. All in all, this failure of a mall reflects the absolute stagnation of my home, and it's depressing to witness in real time. I hope this little piece of perspective helps paint a better picture of what's happened alongside all of the history and context you've provided. Thanks!

[@TheNASCARJeff]

The Concord Mills in North Carolina had a NASCAR Speed Park Go-Cart Track that was also part of an arcade...

[@UniCommProductions]

I’ve seen them other places, too-there was a freestanding one in Pigeon Forge, TN...although if I recall correctly it was gone by 2008-2009?

[@jeffdillon1972]

I can't believe I'm about to write this but I actually think the crazy Nick at Night look from the Mills in St. Louis works better with the open ceiling warehouse look than it does here. There is something about the exposed girders and ducting that does not fit with the more refined storefronts of traditional malls. I'm not saying you can't pull off the warehouse look in a successful way without resorting to the mess in St. Louis, see Easton Town Center in Columbus for example - they mixed the openness into a sort of train terminal feel and it works. But if you are going to let your tenants put in traditional sophisticated storefronts then I think you need to finish the ceiling (aka the Mall at Tuttle crossing). Great video as always - keep it up!

[@UniCommProductions]

I think you’ve hit the mail on the head-those exposed ceilings bug me, probably because you’re accustomed to seeing skylights in a “normal mall”. They went with a mall tenant lineup but kept the outlet mall look.

[@boomhaueroo8703]

Another excellent video. Thanks!... One word sums it up nicely... Toughskins.

[@SpacklyJones]

Nice work. OMG what a humongous space! Maybe they could use it for a Tron/Deathrace 2000/Rollerball live action game where participants race through the corridors and get points somehow. We've got to do something with these dead malls. It's time to get creative!

[@UniCommProductions]

It would make a really sweet Go Kart track! Theme it really well, nice wide corridors where you could go really fast

[@QuietJ0Y]

Excited to see what this place looks like during the first weeks of October 2020

[@UniCommProductions]

It’s rough, unfortunately

[@QuietJ0Y]

@@UniCommProductions your commentary made my wife start watching mall videos! She is not a fan of my URBEX obsession, but her family worked in malls where we grew up. It’s fun to have her correct me, because we mall when we used to travel. Loved that she pointed out Opry Mills Mall was similar to this, I didn’t realize that.

[@UniCommProductions]

There’s some crossover between mall videos and urbex but they can be very different!

[@vince5652]

I never knew this place existed until someone showed me it

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

Kristin and company dba Unicom Productions. I'm catching this one a little late. Definitely can see the "mills subdued" motif. From your date night videos to present you've gone from a SS Minnow cruise director to a full five star one. Your and teams quality shines. Keep up the great work. Hopefully I could meet you one day. Cheers Mark

[@UniCommProductions]

If I’m ever out on Route 66 I will need a tour guide!

[@MarksKicksOnRoute66]

@@UniCommProductions I'd be honored to do that!

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

You can just feel the life being sucked out of this Mall, perfect mix of music and narrative, Liked StaySafe

[@UniCommProductions]

It's on its last legs. I don't know how long but it's soon.

[@GeekCinemaa]

I was wondering if you happened to have a track list for this video? I like most of the music in this video, and as expected, I am having some difficulty locating them. Thank you.

[@MrButch-ls8vl]

No air conditioning in 80 degree weather? Yikes! Just outside Philly we have the Franklin Mills Mall, now re-branded as the Philadelphia Mills Mall, which is located on Franklin Mills Blvd. Go figure. Same vibe - discount outlets of better stores like Off Fifth (Saks Fifth Ave.) Anyhoo ... I always love your intelligent and witty commentary, Kristin. You rock!

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you very much! I should have checked the weather before I left the house and was dressed in "early fall attire" which was way too much for last week. I kinda miss Off 5th, we had one in Cincinnati and I found some great deals there.

[@JeffCatlett]

She has the best voice, hands down, in these urb - X narrative explores. She even has Sal beat.

[@UniCommProductions]

That’s some high praise but I’m not sure about that last part...thank you Jeff

[@MrButch-ls8vl]

@@JeffCatlett Agree. My interest in dead malls began a few years ago with Dan Bell. UniComm Productions is the new kid on the block ... but has rose to the top as far as I am concerned.

[@wowhaha4871]

The Overmalled Cincinnati series was amazing. You should do an Overmalled Kansas City because they have the exact same problem that Cincy had. Their former malls: Blue Ridge Mall closed in 2005, Mission Center Mall closed in 2006, Bannister Mall closed in 2007, Antioch Center closed in 2012 (it had been in decline for 20 years!), Metcalf South closed in 2014 (it had been in decline for 15-20 years as well!), Metro North Mall closed in 2014, Ward Parkway Center closed in 2014 (it had been demalled since 2003), The Great Mall of The Great Plains closed in 2015, and Indian Springs Mall closed in 2016 (Again, had been in decline for 20 or more years). So the metro area went from having 13 enclosed malls to 4 (Oak Park Mall, Independence Center, New Landing Mall, and Crown Center).

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you! I am in the early planning stages for a second installment--right now the two frontrunners are Pittsburgh and Detroit but it's funny you mention Kansas City because I've been seeing more and more about the malls out there, and at the very least it sounds like I could stand to make a trip out there.

[@wowhaha4871]

@@UniCommProductions The only thing is that 9 of the malls their have closed and been demolished. But yes that would be very cool.

[@wowhaha4871]

@@UniCommProductions Pittsburgh and Detroit are also very Overmalled. Another one I would suggest would be Dallas-Fort Worth because they once had over 20 enclosed malls.

[@amandaheffernan1473]

Hi Kristin. Love to you and your family. Hope everyone is keeping well.Love all your vids.Greetings from Melbourne Australia your awesome X.

[@kimh659]

As usual, amazing. It’s so soothing and interesting!

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you, Kim!

[@TDMicrodork]

18:15 absolutely roasting that dead store brand they will never recover lol

[@UniCommProductions]

It was a stupid name!

[@sirekumasutra7022]

Great video and dug the Sonic music at the very end.

[@UniCommProductions]

Good ear! I wasn’t sure if anyone would catch that

[@marilynjean9689]

Great video and I love your voice! New subscriber!!

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you, Marilyn! Welcome to the fold!

[@jeslowe72401]

Yet another great video!!!!

[@UniCommProductions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mark-qw8lc]

Good grief! Planning started in 1981 but building construction didn’t get underway until 2003?!!! People were born, finished grade school, high school and started college over that time span! Twenty-two years of time passed and no one thought that might be an itsy-bitsy problem? *shaking head * Not a bad looking mall but I detest the unfinished ceilings with the industrial bar-joist roof construction visible. It reminds me of every other Jimmy Johns or Chipotle in your typical neighborhood strip mall.

[@UniCommProductions]

YES! Another commenter mentioned that about the ceilings, too, and I 100% agree with both of you. The ceilings make it look chintzy and generic.

[@wowhaha4871]

Sounds familiar. (cough) American Dream (cough)

[@cascade5682]

Royalty free mall music gave it all away.

[@UniCommProductions]

Sorry to break the spell.

[@NightSprinter]

It's a shame what will happen to this mall. I love the warm, inviting lights and such.

[@UniCommProductions]

It's a really nice mall...I just wish they'd figure out something to do with it.

[@donnadreyer2580]

@@UniCommProductions They need to bring back all of the Stores that was in it, it's a spectacularly Gorgeous I've been inside of it

[@CosmoPhotography]

Hi! Wanted to drop a comment and let you know just how much I've enjoyed your well-edited, thorough and educational videos. I assume you get a lot of requests, but just curious, do you have any upcoming plans to film Hanes and/or Northlake Malls in NC? The former has seen two of its five anchors depart in the last two years, and it's trying to deal with a rising vacancy rate, crime, owner declaring bankruptcy, etc. This was once the largest mall, I believe, between D.C. and Atlanta, and I could see its future continuing to dim in the coming years. The latter was the last major mall built in NC (maybe the country?) in 2005, and it's starting to see some of its prized tenants depart for other centers or close altogether. Would be very surprised if it's still around in its current form in the next five years. Anyway, keep up the great work!!

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you so much! You know, actually I've been interested in finding more malls in VA and NC because I've moved since I started the channel and those states are much closer than they used to be. I definitely will add both of those to my watch list.

[@domm.993]

Excellent video. I live only 3 miles from this mall. It's a shame it never caught on. I think 2005 was way too late to add a mall in this area. Building is too nice to rip down. I wonder if warehouses or schools could occupy this place. Once again, excellent video

[@UniCommProductions]

I’d love to see them come up with something because it would seem like such a waste to just tear it down,

[@domm.993]

I agree...I wonder if a 177 store mall was way too big for this blue collar area? Back in 2012 it was doink "ok". 2020 omg...Pandemic didn't help. Nail Elegance and Glow in the Dark Golf went out. So did Victoria Secrets. Not sure if Bed Bath and Beyond is there. Amish Furniture for some reason will be the forever lol. 5000$ for a coat rack lol

[@1867Phoenix]

9:50 I feel like we've seen that playground somewhere else.

[@UniCommProductions]

At least two somewheres...

[@jfranco77]

This mall was actually pretty decent when it opened. That movie theater/Houlihans/Starbucks/food court area was great, and they had a really sweet Borders. Their timing just stunk (I mean... Borders :( for-profit colleges :( ) They even did a good job coming up with some alternative uses (batting cages? nursing schools? churches? colleges?). It's still really nice inside. Maybe someday they'll figure something out.

[@UniCommProductions]

I hope so! It’s definitely still structurally sound which is more than I can say for a lot of the malls I cover.

[@Spiderhillpropworks]

We live near and visit the mills frequently. It's sad because it is a nice mall overall. It's crazy to me because everything around it seems to do well. It feels like they were never able to get or keep any sort of anchors to keep this mall alive. I remember years ago when I first visited this place I was surprised at the types of stores that were there. A lot of small and niche places. Not your typical mall fair. I think originally there were 3 stores that sold Steeler gear! I would love to see this place be repurposed.

[@bertram_oredrock]

Century III on a larger scale. Definitely a colossal mismanagement failure. This video is another Kristin Masterpiece, thanks.

[@UniCommProductions]

Wow, thanks! I really like this mall and hope they can figure out SOMETHING that works in there, even if it's unconventional. Otherwise, what a colossal waste of space.

[@bertram_oredrock]

@@UniCommProductions I'm originally from the Pittsburgh area but, I've never been to this mall. I have been to Century III many times and in it's day it was the absolute best. It's sad to see what became of C3 and what may become of Pittsburgh Mills. I need to check it out soon before it's history. Keep up the great work!!

[@ezontheeyesphotography]

Since I exclusively cover the St. Louis Mills Mall now I'd love to take a trip out there. Is it still open?

[@UniCommProductions]

I’m not sure what you mean by exclusively cover, but no, it’s no longer open. The developers of the new Powerplex complex were just granted 6 million dollars to begin work on the conversion.

[@ezontheeyesphotography]

@@UniCommProductions Right but denied $54 million for not having $40 million upfront

[@ezontheeyesphotography]

@@UniCommProductions I haven't release my documentary on the St. Louis Mills Mall but I've been working on it for over 4 years. I've had to re-shoot as I've upgraded my equipment, editing skills and information. I currently have over 600gb of video and photos of the SLMM, including merchandise like original shopping bags, 5 original maps (2003, 2005, 2008, 2015 & 2018), over 100 opening day photos, store signs, Nascar speedpark mills shirts, Riverfront times best mall in St. Louis award and the Regal 18 Movie theater Sign off the building. Every time I think I'm done covering it I end up with more. I hope I didn't come off the wrong way if so I apologize.

[@UniCommProductions]

@@ezontheeyesphotography Oh that's cool! Sometimes when you're doing a video about a place really near and dear to your heart like that it's hard to ever feel like you're "finished"--I went through that with a few of my first videos. You might consider trying to get ahold of one of the PowerPlex people to see if they'd let you walk through one last time, they may be open to it (they seemed pretty cool with me when I was there in July 2019, not a word was said and I know they saw me a few times), maybe even see if they'll let you interview them. It seems like it would be a great addition to your production. (and shoot me a link on Twitter or something when you release it, I'd love to watch!)

[@UniCommProductions]

@@ezontheeyesphotography Oh you're the rollerskate video guy! :)

[@ezontheeyesphotography]

7:03 Thats crazy that the St. Louis Mills Mall also has a church in it.

[@donnadreyer2580]

The Church in Pittsburgh Mills Mall is Rivers, it's a Gorgeous Church inside.

[@markstrouse3101]

I really love your videos.

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you, Mark! I’m glad you took a chance on them!

[@Crackrzz]

8:30 Five Nights at Freddy's plushies. Neat. I have that blue fox in red. His name is Foxy. Of course.

[@UniCommProductions]

Is that what they’re from? I was distracted by the Hello Kitties.

[@millslite1221]

Ahhh...the dreaded "Neighborhoods" concept as seen in the once thriving Forest Fair/Cincinnati Mills Mall.

[@UniCommProductions]

These neighborhoods are *sponsored* too which brings another level of ick

[@jimpreston7427]

Very good commentry

[@SHADOSTRYKR]

I hope to be able to visit one of the Mills malls that feature the whimsical stylings of St. Louis Mills Mall. I know Katy Mills has been remodeled now to have the same white sterile modern look that every other mall has now. So I’m running out of time because the malls with those colorful stylings are either getting closed or remodeled.

[@UniCommProductions]

From what I understand, Gurnee Mills, Peachtree Mills and Arizona Mills are among the least altered ones that are still doing well.

[@wowhaha4871]

10:42 How is American Eagle still there? They usually leave a mall in the middle of its decline.

[@UniCommProductions]

I know, right?? I mean, good on them for hanging in there but I was pretty surprised to see it too

[@acuerden]

Technically, it did bring tourists from as far away as Indiana... when I, a Pittsburgh native, was visiting with my boyfriend last month and went there on a whim since it was near where I grew up. He had heard of it from reports like yours, and...

[@UniCommProductions]

This one and Cincy Mills have a way of being a draw for all the wrong reasons!

[@wowhaha4871]

13:37. I read that there are 100 stores out of 300 spaces open at the moment, and the luxury wing of American Dream will debut in March. I’m not entirely sure tho

[@UniCommProductions]

I know Ace's Adventures has a video coming out on Friday about the American Dream, so I'm curious about how empty it will seem.

[@wowhaha4871]

@@UniCommProductions I’ve seen videos from the mall. It seemed very busy, especially since we’re in a pandemic. I hope it does well. I know only 3 indoor malls besides American Dream have opened since 2014 (The Mall at UTC in Florida, Liberty Center in Ohio, and The SoNo Collection in Connecticut).

[@wowhaha4871]

@@UniCommProductions But same, I’m very excited to see the full tour.

[@kevinbrown429]

I really enjoy your videos as you do a good job with the research...and I get paid to look at old abandoned buildings for a career. I watch this and it just seems like an amazing waste of resources and labor. Like we could have used all these resources for something more useful, but chose to use it for more more recreational shopping

[@UniCommProductions]

I would love to know what line of work allows for that! This mall really should have never been built. Pittsburgh had torn down two malls the same year this one opened. I think at the point they decided to go for it on Pittsburgh the Mills Corp thought anything they did would be a success...but getting people to drive from Indiana to go to a mall? No.

[@kevinbrown429]

I am an architect and have found a niche renovating old buildings...I quite often go Into places that have been abandoned for sometime to renovate...this past summer I actually had a project renovating a tenant space in the woodland mall in bg which is how I found your work

[@UniCommProductions]

Oh that’s cool! I’m kinda overdue for another trip up there

[@kevinbrown429]

@@UniCommProductions there is another newer mall you should come up and document that I know of where rents are already going down, national chains are moving out, and it is getting started on its death spiral

[@UniCommProductions]

@@kevinbrown429 Oooh where?

[@brucesumter4327]

dan bell ace's sal that who i watch this is the first time here on your

[@UniCommProductions]

I'm one of the few ladies doing these kinds of video. Glad you found me, and thanks for watching!

[@brucesumter4327]

@@UniCommProductions yw

[@LastOneLeft99]

I went here once to see a movie after moving to Pittsburgh, very bleak then even worse now

[@UniCommProductions]

I kept getting reports that it was closed, which it isn't, but I wanted to find out what was actually going on up there and it's sooo much emptier than it was in September '18

[@wooo9279]

I watch so many videos on this mall you would think I didn’t work there...lmao good video though!

[@UniCommProductions]

That is dedication my friend!

[@RangerRickTV]

Key Kristen are y’all from the northeast?

[@UniCommProductions]

We live in West Virginia so...not really.

[@RangerRickTV]

@@UniCommProductions close enough. I plan on going up to the Norse east real soon. Is there a top three dead malls you recommend me going to see?

[@UniCommProductions]

Hmm...top 3 in the Northeast? If you pass through Ohio, Forest Fair definitely.

[@UniCommProductions]

Beyond that maybe Marley Station, I’d check Mountaineer out if you’re in the area, and there are a ton around Pittsburgh

[@RangerRickTV]

@@UniCommProductions I’m surprised they are not abandoned by now.

[@jasontrojanowski2139]

U need to come do the mall in Prescott AZ sorry if u already covered it it’s pretty sad the decline

[@UniCommProductions]

I would love to make it out west at some point-once rental cars are affordable again because I’d have to fly there

[@syxepop]

Hola, Kristin! I couldn't reach you in the live cast (I was there and I've tried), but I've tried to make the comparisons between this Mills mall and Sawgrass in SoFL, probably the only mall both of us have been inside (was there in 3 vacations in 6 years until like the early '10s. PGH Mills is roughly the same size (2.2M) as Sawgrass (it took me 20 minutes non-stop to get from the Super Target on the rear to the bus stop on the front) on a single floor (Plaza Las Américas in my PR is just a smidge smaller, but there are parts with 3 floors and the rest with 2, so you don't fatigue as much walking). KEEP THE GREAT WORK, MY DEAR VIDEOGRAPHER...

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you! My recollection of Sawgrass Mills was that it was a really similar size.

[@syxepop]

@@UniCommProductions - it is! Go to thing to buy in Sawgrass was the FROZEN CUSTARD (store about in the middle of the mall). Never had that before in the Island, probably never will again.

[@UniCommProductions]

@@syxepop I feel like I had gelato at either that mall or the Dolphin Mall and it was amazing

[@retail.kid95]

Enjoyed the video as always. -BigKmart_Kids

[@UniCommProductions]

Thank you! This one was a blast to film I actually really like this mall

[@ezontheeyesphotography]

11:10 Insert St. Louis Mills Mall

[@harrygoldun5779]

I and a consortium should buy the place, renovate it and turn it into a one stop shopping centre, based on the Australian model. Those centres are alive, more are being built and they are a part of everyday life. Seems the online factor where everyone sits on their backsides and gets fat is the norm these days.

[@SearsCool]

The Mills Corp made some nice malls I must say such as the mall in Grapevine but this one was just a failure, probably built too late

[@UniCommProductions]

It absolutely was. The era of the mega mall is over...although it didn’t keep them from building that behemoth in New Jersey no one asked for.

[@SearsCool]

@@UniCommProductions most malls that were built in the 2000s usually don't survive. The Mall at Turtle Creek was the last mall built in America in the 2000s all the way in '06

[@UniCommProductions]

That was when it was completed or when it was started? Because the American Dream only opened last year, and supposedly they still have plans to build its twin in Miami.

[@SearsCool]

@@UniCommProductions well the last mall of the 2000s was built in 2006, the last mall built in 2010s was American Dream

[@UniCommProductions]

Oh! Ok now I get what you’re saying. Yes I think you’re right.

[@dootuss83]

You knew this mall was doomed to fail when it took 20+ years to finally break ground on it. That, and the location is surrounded by dead industrial towns along the Allegheny River. That and having two other malls nearby. Then again, everything outside the mall is doing fine for the most part.

[@UniCommProductions]

There were a million reasons not to build this mall. It was beyond foolhardy.

[@leejtam0914]

I know its by design but its still so eerie how this looks like the Mills mall in my state

[@UniCommProductions]

Almost all of them started out very similar; a lot of the ones that have been retained by Simon have been significantly muted in their decor.

[@leejtam0914]

​@@UniCommProductions Im in Maryland and our Mills opened in 2000. I dont believe its changed, but im not positive

[@UniCommProductions]

I don’t think that’s one that changed much assuming you’re talking about Arundel Mills

[@leejtam0914]

@@UniCommProductions yes, i dont know if there are any more here

[@wowhaha4871]

For some reason, I have a feeling that they won’t demolish this mall. I feel like it will become some type of office-mall hybrid while keeping the remaining retail and turning many vacant spaces into offices.

[@UniCommProductions]

It's pretty new, which is an advantage. A lot of the malls you seeing demolished are full of asbestos and mold, and would be difficult to convert to something more modern (for example, I don't see any future where Century III isn't demolished)

[@wowhaha4871]

@@UniCommProductions Yeah, as you probably know, Century III’s carpets were covered in God knows what 😂

[@wowhaha4871]

@@UniCommProductions And also I know that Century III had a lot of water issues, and leaks

[@pghdjmarty]

I brought my daughter here for the grand opening. This makes me sad.

[@UniCommProductions]

This place probably doesnt have a lot of time left; it might be kind of fun for the two of you to walk around it one last time.

[@DinoOfficial4096]

This feels like an opposite of The Arizona mills

[@UniCommProductions]

It’s Arizona Mills’ Wario lol

[@neimxn]

it's kinda funny that a bunch of mills corporation malls are doing so poorly, sucks though because all of the decor in their malls are really pretty

[@nickmoney]

South Hills Village and Robinson Mall are teflon in Pittsburgh. Ross Park is slipping due to how upscale and out of the way it is while Monroeville Mall is just too big for it's demand and location. I could easily see Robinson and SHV being only malls in Pittsburgh area within five years with rest shutting down.

[@UniCommProductions]

Based on what I know of Pittsburgh you're likely right.

[@LordOfNothingham]

I heard the NASCAR Park was a myth. Made sense it was a myth. If you've ever been to one they are massive. Not only that but I think only one is left in Tennessee.

[@UniCommProductions]

If you're talking about the one that's in Pigeon Forge, it was gone too last time I was down there.

[@bluebear7061]

Could you believe it’s still open June 2023. More of a walking mall. Whose paying the electricity?

[@pghdjmarty]

Another thought: how much of this consumer space decline is due to online shopping? I'd love to know others' opinions on this topic.

[@UniCommProductions]

It's most certainly a factor. I don't think it's the whole story--Pittsburgh's metro area over the years has had over 30 enclosed malls. In fact, this mall opened not too far from a mall that had already failed and been demolished by the time Pittsburgh Mills opened, so Pittsburgh's malls had already started to succumb to the fact there were too many of them. The Mills Corporation filed for bankruptcy shortly after this opened so the mall didn't receive the support or money it probably needed. This was Mills' first attempt to make a "conventional" mall instead of an outlet mall, and it doesn't seem to have worked for them. I'm currently working on the second season of my series Overmalled where we kind of explore an entire city's malls and their relationship to each other (and how they tend to cannibalize each other when there are too many built). The first season was about Cincinnati where I'm from but the second season that's being worked on now will be about Pittsburgh. It should be out in late May or early June.

[@mooviedude141]

@@UniCommProductions As a Pittsburgh native I would love to watch that!

[@UniCommProductions]

@@mooviedude141 it’s still coming! The amount of research that is needed is INTENSE. I hope to have it completed in the next couple months.

[@francesconicoletti2547]

What keeps striking me is how genteel the declines are. There is never going to be an Escape From Pittsburgh Mills starring action hero of the moment.

[@UniCommProductions]

This mall has had such a slow decline. It never really did very well but it was in stasis for a few years.

[@wowhaha4871]

Yeah. From what I learned, people still went to Pittsburgh Mills for awhile (even though it’s been at 60% occupancy and below since 2010), but since 2015, traffic has gone down significantly.

[@francesconicoletti2547]

I seem to have expressed myself badly. Even though there is a lot of emphasis on the decline of shopping malls, from these videos they seem perfectly safe and comfortable places to visit. They are not the like inner cities of the 70’s & 80’s . Nobody is stealing car stereos in the car parks.

[@UniCommProductions]

Oh absolutely! When people make it sound like these places are dangerous, I cringe. They all still have security!

[@bradklingensmith]

This place was built as a dead mall, not in a hot market area, too big, no interest. The theater closed, but another chain is set to reopen it soon which is nice as it has an Imax. The out parcel stores are doing OK. This place, dead. Built dead. Those corridors do go on forever. Usually when a person hits the end you'll hear "holy shit" there is still another side to the place. Nascar never committed to the project and actually told them to remove their name from the place. As an appraiser every person locally in real estate honestly just said why? But, areas north up 28 has had fairly explosive residential growth so there is a chance that the place could make it, it was just built too early.

[@mmichal]

As much as I love the Mills aesthetic of this mall, it should have never been built. I would just tear it all down and plant some trees on the land and call it a day.

[@UniCommProductions]

I agree with you! Some (if not almost all) of the dead mall phenomenon could have been avoided if they would have just stopped building so many of them.

[@thespacecowboy420]

They would build it because they knew it would lose money and tax shelter their other investments or take advantage of other loopholes. Happens all the time with big projects.

[@UniCommProductions]

It absolutely does--in fact I've often questioned if some of the notorious mall "slumlords" have successful investments elsewhere they are trying to offset.

[@drewcifer2a]

So bear money isnt good enough for them? No wonder they are failing then 🤷‍♂️🤣😂. I heard talk that the rona has took its toll on eastgate mall and it might be on its last leg.

[@UniCommProductions]

It has. Eastgate’s biggest hope for more traffic was that Discovery Zone place and they were closed for almost 6 months because of COVID, and CBL (Eastgate’s owner) is in a bad position right now. I moved away from the area back in July but I should go check on it next time I visit

[@UniCommProductions]

Bear Money isn’t recognized as legal tender by the state of PA, and it’s a shame! He needed jeans and snacks!

[@snakeboren4814]

FN'1ST!!!!

[@UniCommProductions]

All is right in the world!

[@snakeboren4814]

@@UniCommProductions I WUD'NT SAY THAT!!!

[@UniCommProductions]

@@snakeboren4814 Well, some things are still the same

[@snakeboren4814]

@@UniCommProductions I HEAR YA!!!

[@Idelia412]

Let's see no marketing research done before building this mall, Cincinnati Mall or the new mall in New Jersey. Total waste of money.

[@UniCommProductions]

I agree. Pittsburgh Mills and St Louis Mills are fiascos of legendary proportions.

[@MRVISTA-wz7vj]

Is it me or are all the earth tones in these malls depressing? Prolly me lol.

[@UniCommProductions]

To modern eyes yes they appear as such. Back when they were added, earth tones were “warm” and “calming”. I think they feel REALLY dark

[@kevinkiss5779]

What a waste of good Materials.

[@UniCommProductions]

It was a waste of a lot of things.

[@andytaylor5476]

Such a waste of money and resources! Ill-conceived, wild expectations, 'bigger is better" "they'll be driving all the way from Indiana-it's going to be fabulous." Motivated by greed. Well, it turned out bad, and it's a shame. I will say I loved those lantern looking chandeliers you fixated on right at the end, but the rest was not very impressive or inviting.

[@UniCommProductions]

It feels like it was designed by committee

[@andytaylor5476]

@@UniCommProductions Yea it does.