Ellsworth Place Mall (née City Place) | a former dead mall defying the odds since 1947 | ExLog 89

[@sal]

I need to get Marna the Mall PA Lady some help. Maybe new meds. That pathetic little organ tune at the end of Steven Reed's bit? I wrote it and played it. Book me for weddings and funerals, I got you covered with sad music. But seriously, this mall is so rad. I have some seriously incredible locations coming up...some epic dead malls, and some scary abandoned places. Make sure to sub and ring the bell!

[@MrDan708]

Marna really needs to lay off the cream sherry, LOL!

[@antoniohidalgo9707]

Good evening Sal hope your doing awesome

[@antoniohidalgo9707]

What a place Sal it was so sad but very intriguing to see

[@GratiaCountryman]

If you have merch, I would buy a Marna album.

[@sal]

Omg a marna album. YES!!

[@RavenFilms]

From the point of you getting the card until you walked out of the mall, I found I had a huge smile on my face. That was so kind of you. The world needs more of that and those acts are one of the only things I’m thankful are contagious. I’m glad you shared that. I know social media has started to demonize *showing* acts of kindness. Others saying people only post it to make themselves look good, but you know what, it DOES feel good to do kind things and people tend to share things in their lives that feel good. Plus motives don’t really matter to the receiver anyway. Those that complain are just jealous someone is getting attention for something positive. In the end, no matter the reason, kindness IS contagious, the more it’s witnessed, the more it’s emulated. (I want to be clear, I don’t think you filmed it for attention, I’m just saying those that do think that should keep their mouth shut because reasons don’t matter anyway - in this case OR the thousands of others all over the internet.) Share kindness whenever and wherever you can, as often as you can.

[@sal]

I filmed it to inspire others to show kindness after so many recent memories of wretchedness in the world. For the record, I cut everything from my footage of store employees praising me for what I did. Not looking for anything but kindness.

[@RavenFilms]

@@sal I’m happy to hear you filmed it to inspire. Surely it’s inclusion into the Ex Log will continue to spread the acts of kindness, like a virus, for years to come. ☺️

[@LL-fd7xn]

Sal, I have to say... this vlog is awesome. Why? You showed a mall that defied the odds. Also you showed empathy for Nate who just wanted pants and gloves. You got a awesome friendly heart!

[@sal]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Means the world to me.

[@jqueen1380]

Sal: You are a kind, generous soul. Helping that man went above and beyond. ❤️

[@Sabrina79]

Sal your act of kindness to that man was my favorite part of this ExLog. Good for you, man. The world needs much, much more of that. 😎👍

[@sal]

Rock on. I felt a bond with Nat, glad I could help him out!

[@TaliaIGhul]

This mall obviously had competent management throughout the century in order for this place to stay relevant.

[@RavenFilms]

Nice to see that security is totally uninterested in what you’re doing. It’s about time! They need to go back to watching for shoplifters and scuffles.

[@TaliaIGhul]

As a person who use to shoplift as a teenager in the 1990s, that's smart that guards don't badger people who film malls. Shoplifters don't mind the diversion.

[@rachelrivera91]

Totally class act Sal! You are an awesome human being for the kindness you show to others who are struggling. Thank you for this incredible video production!! Love your video content!! Just epic! Can’t get enough of your content!!

[@adamskillings186]

The decency part made my night Sal. Thanks

[@trish2179]

Hey Sal!! Awesome thing you did for that man!! GOD BLESS YOU!! I was a musician too (Flute, Piccolo, and Clarinet), I never got as far as you have. I went through the petty nastiness that you have been through from the start, in grade school. When it happened in church I was done. I wanted nothing more to do with it. It was like a huge weight off my back. I haven't played since. I give you credit for hanging in, I turned to art and am happier for it.

[@kevinquist]

my son is a huge into music. he played the clarinet, bassoon, cello and up right double bass. he was 2nd chair for the bassoon int his highschool, first chair for the bass. playing in the top levels of his schools band/orchestra and jazz band. (hes 21now). we thought he would go into music. he always wanted to be in the detroit symphony orchestra. we told him we were behind him 100%, loved him and he should do what he feels he needs to do. but be advised. very very rough and challenging path. He took the easier route. Aerospace engineering with a minor in physics and mathematics. hes working on his masters now.

[@beckysmith2215]

Your awesome thank you for helping the homeless guy. We give food when we find ppl

[@sal]

I help when possible!

[@talanigreywolf7110]

That RAOK at the end made my day. I work for the Salvation Army and see a lot of people in need. I also talk a lot with them, and have learned that sometimes it doesn't matter how hard you try, if Fate has it in for you, you're screwed!

[@jonscott4090]

That was so sweet of ya to get him pants and gloves he needed! That was really nice! Good episode!

[@ghosthost100]

Hi Sal, Thanks for checking out this mall. It brings back memories. I still live and work in Silver Spring, MD. Love your content.

[@roseprevost8081]

The PA lady is DEFinitely off her meds in this one! :)

[@bun8170]

Extremely kind act for the older gentleman. You do rock.

[@PaulRudd1941]

This channel is just fantastic. My love of history, city planning, and love of exploration is so totally indulged by Sal. Thank you sir.

[@kevinquist]

Sal. God bless you for what you did for Nat.

[@loritheghostpainter6722]

You're a good man, Salvatore Amadeo. You're kind, cheerful, generous, and as a violinist myself, you've made me very proud. Thank you for helping your fellow human being.

[@jjherrera617]

Awesome video! I used to work in this mall back in 2006 as the manager of KB Toys. Brings back memories!

[@sal]

Thanks for watching!!

[@KellyAnn2390]

I went to this mall (as City Place) by accident in 2013 with a dear departed friend. It still had a lot of the pastel decor then and a lot of really low end stores. It looks drastically different now. Thanks for this video.

[@LighthouseCape]

I'm kinda mentally scarred recently and feeling depressed for weeks, but even in that state you made me smile by the act of kindness you showed at the latter half of the vid. You're a good person Sal. Keep up the good works...!

[@adamjones6371]

The intro had me laughing so hard I peed (ok not really but it was funny). Another great video with a touch of humanity. Thanks fir being a good person and showing kindness to those in need. Another great video, it was great to see a mall in its latest of many re-births

[@ANUNAKIJ]

Never pass up an opportunity to demonstrate your kindness.

[@sal]

The less fortunate.

[@jenniferloving9054]

Words to live by.

[@lowbar77]

OMG! Way to go Sal, class act all the way. Love the video. Keep up the great work.

[@fallstoohard]

I’ve lived in this part of MD for over 20 years and recently moved to the city this mall is located in. I remember visiting in 2010 and 2013. The mall was DEAD both times. It was very sketchy and didn’t have a lot of tenants, I’m guessing around 30% occupancy. But when I revisited in 2018, I didn’t even recognize the place! It‘s much better lit and probably hovering around 70-80%. Even COVID has only put a mild dent in this place and I’m happy to see it’s going strong! I frequent it as it’s only a couple of minutes away from where I live and will definitely keep you updated. It’s sad that the same can’t be said for Lakeforest mall in Gaithersburg, MD but it looks like you’ve already been. That episode was one of my favs as l was on the floor with your count of those knock off stores. They are honestly as bad as they look. Keep up the great content, Sal! I’ll try and keep an eye out for dead malls in the area.

[@Stevie_B_0828]

Dude, IDK if you follow any particular religion, but I jus have to say: "God Bless You" You, sir, did a wonderful thing, brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for restoring some semblance of the 'good' to be found in our fellow man. I wasn't expecting what you did, but I'm overwhelmingly grateful for what you did. Ur a great role model for everyone on this planet, a touch of kindness goes a long way. 😉👍

[@sal]

I appreciate that, friend. I like people. I like the human race, and I want nothing but the best for every person I encounter. Nat was a great guy that I had a big off camera conversation with, and I really hope he’s doing well!!

[@sterospa]

Very kind gesture! We all need to support one another!!

[@RM-wx8xx]

How does this man not have more sub? Its just plain wrong. Amazing content.

[@sal]

Thanks Rob!

[@barron204]

Loving the effort that is put into these videos. The cooking segment, the 2020 story and the music are all great.

[@nordicdraw]

Sal Jr if Steven Reed could meet the Mall Lady he could Weber cooks for her. Great video. The location of that mall has a neighborhood feel. You’re such a good Guy. One door closes a dream can appear. Love you Boo🥰

[@leecummings8990]

You have a super big, super warm heart. Glad I watched to the end!!!

[@NathanDavisVideos]

That art-deco/streamline-modern strip mall seen at 27:01 actually believe it or not, dates ALL THE WAY back to 1938, and is a historical landmark as well! Matter of fact, it could arguably be considered the VERY FIRST suburban shopping center to ever be built.

[@jennifersterka508]

That was so nice of you to help that man out.

[@GM-nq4hb]

I watch Sal because of the TJ max card he gifted to that old man. Sal, you rock!

[@MultiBrian1986]

Never thought I would hear an Agatha Trenchbull reference! Nice!

[@MeetLeAnne]

Sal, thank you for taking care of the houseless man, Nat ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sal]

Nat! “Like my hat!”

[@timcoggin]

Very nice of you dude helping that man. I love my late night watching of your videos. Take care.

[@charlesminetree6205]

bravo for your compassion!

[@gobbletegook]

In the 1940's, When HECHTS built that store, I imagine that it was quite controversial in design, especially since it had no windows. But, since every other department store covered their windows up (or they were where the storage rooms were), it was probably a smart thing to do (and saved money). But the starkness of it (or should I say, the streamlined design) of it was quite a statement, probably similar in style to their warehouse (now designed into lofts in Ivy City). I only saw the outside of this building, but they had already wrecked the front by putting up some monstrous grid on the front of the limestone....and I never made it into the mall. This was probably around 1995 or so. Now I wish I had gone in there, so thanks for the video letting us see it.

[@kevinquist]

oh man. we had one of those black tower games. we LOVED it.

[@jeee1074]

The atrium of this mall reminds me so much of Jackson Brewery in New Orleans. It is pretty awesome that this mall was able to attract some healthy big box anchors, and keep the mall going strong.

[@BJJones-pp7le]

Sal, love your video's and commentary, keep being a great human being.

[@d4rk_legendsx]

IM CRYING, THIS MALL TOOK A HUGE PART OF MY CHILDHOOD! (planning on going back there one day)

[@douglasallen9428]

Perhaps the PA lady forgot to take her medication today….. as always, awesome job Sal! You absolutely rock!!!

[@sal]

Or she took too much…

[@JohnKelly2]

You're good people, Sal.

[@sal]

Thanks, John.

[@Brandis13]

Loved the Dark Tower ad at the beginning! Used to have it. There is now a Kickstarter for a modernized version.

[@christinepaluch7967]

Ahh my local mall. This one is really busy now, and I remember its dead mall phase. I do miss the guitar center that closed during the pandemic. That store didn't last long. But this is pretty healthy overall as a discount mall. Also McGinty's has seen many of these changes. Either way, I am happy this place is healthy, even if this place isn't perfect. Also Silver Spring is pretty busy these days. Also there is an interesting food concept moving where the Forever 21 was. Also DSW moved into where the empty guitar center is, and Nike is moving where DSW was in Downtown Silver Spring.

[@jooleepadoolie]

Great explore. How sad to see the fountain turned into a play area. Nice of you to stop to talk to the man who needed pants and gloves. I'm sure that many people who have just kept on walking. I'm sure you made his day.

[@sal]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@mormand5003]

That cooking segment made me sad! The chili had beans? WTF? He seemed to be bummed out by his dish.

[@sal]

It looks like a hostage tape.

[@mormand5003]

@@sal Blink twice if they are making you microwave against your will

[@PixelatedH2O]

Chili without beans is just a meat sauce

[@mormand5003]

@@PixelatedH2O Chili with beans is soup. I am required to say that as a Texan. In reality, I make both but I would never use beans to make a dip. It would either be Wolf Brand Chili with no beans or Ro-Tel being mixed with the cheese. Salsa also works.

[@mannyistheman2221]

The original elevator installed by Hechts was still in this building until it was removed recently. The Burlington Coat Factory is where it was located. That is the last remnant of the old Hecht Company Department Store.

[@Idelia412]

Nice video and glad to see the mall is making it.

[@kevinwood5317]

Thank you for this extensive exploration of both the current status of this mall, and the history. Growing up around there, I knew a lot of it, but not all of the twists and turns with regard to the developers/investors. City Place was the first attempt at redevelopment in downtown Silver Spring that got ANY traction, and that AMC theater did big business for its first 6-7 years. But the rest of the mall had mostly lower-end stuff and mostly attracted teenagers with stuff like Sam Goody and clothing stores. Glad to see it doing and looking better, even if it's still a bit low-tier. High-end retail wouldn't have worked there anyway, Silver Spring is very middle class/urban.

[@moparmike340]

Nice of you to help out that gentleman in the mall! We should all look to pay it forward!

[@MsWaggydog]

Was that a covid-friendly foot lever to open the door? That's awesome!

[@sal]

Hell yes! I want them everywhere.

[@Starscreamlive]

Where did the Nacho Dish video come from? That's hilarious!🤣🤣 Feels almost like a Tim and Eric Awesome Show skit.

[@sal]

Yes!!!!!

[@modestrepublicmedia]

In regards to your plane flight story,, I love how you craft stories!

[@sal]

So many more stories to tell. Please sub and stay tuned!

[@sal]

So many more stories to tell. Please sub and stay tuned!

[@stgenerations]

Sal and Ace “Elevator Beat” from the Vanilla Sky OST would be the most appropriate countdown music for the dead mall vids. Maybe a little too chill.

[@khunopie9159]

Gosh dangit Sal! You are a truly prodigious mallsmith! A veteran lumberjack of mallsploration! 89 Logs! That's an assload of Mall Logs!!

[@savagesam205]

That 'industrial' theme is ghastly, and what in god's name were they thinking when replacing that beautiful fountain with a playground... Excellent exlog though, as always! And especially heartwarming to see such an act of kindness.

[@robertfisher3529]

Remember was called CityPlace and it also had Burger King Express and Subway and a huge beautiful fountain they had down in there

[@Gitanarosa]

I love it! I miss this era

[@tgree18]

That was of you to do that! Good Bless You!

[@AutoGamerZ_]

This might genuienly be one of the most pleasant malls I have ever seen. You'd expect a more industrial theme to make things feel cold but it's one of a rare few places that manages to feel both modern, and warm and inviting, rather then just kind of sleek or utilitarian. Not only is this mall defying the odds regarding it's former dead mall status: For it's design it could and should be an inspiration for many other malls that fail to attract people because they are either feeling outdated, or "cold", as many more modern malls tend to do.

[@BigKahuna0275]

YES!!!! I still own a working version of Dark Tower! Loved that game so much. The nachos dude's flat affect makes making nachos boring AF :D Love the video my dude!

[@MuneageDaydream]

You’re a class act, Sal.

[@georgef551]

Wow, that's one ridiculously tall hydraulic elevator. Surprised they didn't go with a cable-borne model at such a height. (Yes, well aware of a 13-story one in a hotel in the South.)

[@RazielXSR]

In the midst of stifling heat here in the Southwest, a video of people ice skating made me feel less than sweaty for a second.

[@scottburbridge3170]

between 2006 - 2018, i lived in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, & Rockville. i think it's tragic the fountain was removed.

[@bobbretz5052]

I remember passing by the Hecht's back in the 80's on my way to the awesome arcade that was across the street on Fenton and vaguely remember going into department store's basement area. Remember the location that is now the Loews theater was a tire shop and the rest of the area was pretty much dead. After the current renovations, the location that is now a DSW Shoe store was originally a Border's Books, which of course closed with all the other Border's. Sometimes I miss old Silver Spring...at one point it had four arcades, at least a comic book store still exists in the location of the former Geppi's comics.

[@sports1st]

Worked across the street from city place. Was always empty. Love the changes, too bad I live up north now....nah not really. Don't miss that traffic. Lol. Good stuff as always.

[@beegee80]

Sal, you are such a mensch (good person in Yiddish).

[@sal]

Your comment made my day

[@yoyobass100]

There are 2 more "former dead malls" in the DC metro area: -Ballston Quarter (previously Parkington Shopping Center and Ballston Common Mall, in that order); can be accessed via 2 skywalks from the Ballston Metro Center building in front of the escalators - Springfield Town Center (previously Springfield Mall); can be accessed by Fairfax Connector buses.

[@yoyobass100]

The Dave & Buster's was the one relocated from the already-demolished White Flint Mall.

[@yoyobass100]

A dead mall in the same county you should check out called Lake Forest Mall, it is what call the Marylander counterpart of Fair Oaks Mall in Virginia due to similar designs.

[@100Sudsy]

Another great episode, Sal. And like everyone else, I gotta say how much cool and heartwarming it was giving the gift card to that chap. Man . . . that speaks volumes to the kind of person you are. Love all your content! Stay safe, and maybe in a little while you'll have used up all your great custom narratives to describe 2020 ;).

[@sal]

Hah yes, I think we might be at the end of the long winded 2020 descriptions

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Another huge catalyst for the revitalization of Silver Spring was the location of Discovery Communications HQ about a block away. The new offices attracted other offices, which helped support the business in these malls.

[@sirscurrbop8912]

I used to come here after to school with my leftover lunch money to play in the arcade and get a whopper jr

[@GratiaCountryman]

Hi, just discovered your channel. I work at Michael’s in Ellsworth Place.

[@sal]

Great store you have there, Margot! Thanks for watching :)

[@CodeDeb]

Check out Rovkville Mall. A horrible, concrete, windowless mall that was demolished. Felt like a prison

[@RWernsing]

You're a good man!

[@Jennevere11]

Ha, you passed my building on the way to Ellsworth! I'm glad the mall has been able to hang on through Covid and even see some revitalization - even just 4 years ago, it was an absolute ghost town. I don't go to Ellsworth unless I really have to though, for some reason I always get the worst headaches in there!! Maybe it's the lighting? 🤷‍♀️

[@paulcarr5918]

I had Dark Tower as a kid. It was awesome....and apparently pretty valuable if you have one in mint condition. Which I of course do not, assuming it is even actually still in my father's basement storage unit. Appreciate the work you put into this. Always a good watch.

[@AnthonyMenegoni]

Awesome exlog!!! Can't wait for the next phase of your series!

[@sal]

Me too!!! Thinking ExLog 100 will either begin or end the phase…

[@mannyistheman2221]

The Hecht Company department store ended up leaving this building due to high rates of THEFT. It was something really nice that ended up getting ruined because some people had sticky fingers! I miss that old store :(.

[@jakesawesomevids7908]

Can’t wait all I know is that this vid will be amazing keep up the great work on these vids

[@NightSprinter]

I have to say, I do enjoy the warm lighting choice for the mall. Makes it not look so cold or sterile. Also, who IS that "intacawm laydeh"? X)

[@sooverit5529]

Top notch work Sal!

[@kalilawatson5094]

OMG was someone stealing a mall plant at 14:10 LOL!!?? Dope video dude as always, that mall has that whole steampunk vibe too, love it! . Your sound is too good, I thought someone was talking outside my door. You're an awesome and caring person

[@f23948]

i love Dave & Buster's

[@ForestTekkenVideos]

Just finished my litre of mango and raspberry sorbet watching this amazing video! 👍

[@jayburgh]

4:46 hey it's the USS Defiant from DS9!

[@myatypicalworld]

You introduced me to the funniest meme I've ever seen!

[@johnfoltz8183]

This mall used to be called City Place Mall and some colorfully called it S****y Place Mall before it got renovated to its current state. In 1996, they wanted to clear out a huge swath of space in decaying Silver Spring to build a huge mall called American Dream rivaling Mall of America. But proposed high traffic counts to and from the mall plus the country killed off this plan. Afterwards, they made plans to rejuvenate downtown Silver Spring.

[@brucesumter4327]

ty for helping that person ty for showingthis video too

[@syxepop]

Sal, Thank God "Chef Mic" didn't use Cheez Whiz (Edit: It's actually worse as is a Private Label version) for his "Nachos"! I KNOW he's "America's Worst Cook" material, but I can see Chef Anne Burrell's pointy hair getting RAZOR SHARP in his presence. KRISTIN! Did you gave Sal that music as backing for "Chef Mic's" appearance? Under the (very chilly) circumstances Sal went ABOVE AND BEYOND to give that "poor fella" at the end means to "protect from the elements". He found a "kindred spirit" that shows that EVERYTHING WILL BE ALLRIGHT no matter what. NICE!

[@sal]

I totally wrote and performed that sad organ music during the cooking segment lol

[@syxepop]

@@sal - man, that ditty is the kind of sound your collaborator Kristin Rose (UniComm) uses in her own videos. And Happy Father's Day! (or like my late father used to say, "Happy Dog's Day!") 😁

[@sal]

Wait the organ music???

[@syxepop]

@@sal - "a reasonable facsimile"... (at least the stuff towards the ending of the segment)

[@PixelatedH2O]

It's Kroger. Their stuff is usually pretty good.

[@mLswanson]

I've lived in the DC metro area since 2008 and spent several years living in downtown Silver Spring, and yeah, this mall has seen better days but it's not totally dead just yet...just on life support lol it's unfortunate since it's a neat building with potential...

[@genegjr]

Fuddruckers is closing in select locations and I noticed some Staples are closing

[@kevinquist]

you do awesome word pictures.

[@NikoKourouklis]

Nice video! Great backstory as well! It must take a shit ton of research to find out these things.

[@sal]

Thanks!

[@DannyManny98]

Sal, that mall does NOT look like its going to die.

[@sal]

That’s what I said in the video.