Century III Mall - A Dead Mall Built on the Ashes of Pittsburgh’s Steel Industry-Expedition Log # 14

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On the 14th episode of the Expedition Log, we visit the Century iii mall near Pittsburgh, PA. This mall has declined over the years, and is currently in its final moments. Moonbeam is running the mall with security in a police state, and will stop you if you're just walking around with your phone, and check it to make sure you're not filming...
Thank you to everyone for supporting me on these adventures so far! We're over 400 subscribers, which is absolutely amazing!
#Century3 #ExLog #Sal

[@sal]

My 2019 Century III Sequel (Shows the Abandoned Bits!) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX-ZfXulqtSqfJo The Abandoned Sears at Century III - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqSxc2tpl7d_lc0 March 2024 Edit: Demolition has begun at Century III. I will have one final video on the mall at some point. Thank you all for the views over the years, this is the end of an era. April 11 2019 Edit: The mall is now shuttered, and I have released the sequel to this video (See Below for links), plus a video touring the inside of the abandoned Sears. Thank you all so much for the engagement on this video! July 6 2018 Edit: The developers of Century iii weren't celebrating the third Centennial...they were ushering it in. They were looking to the future in a celebration of 1976-2076. Clearly they should've done more research. I should've been more clear about this in the video! Also, the Sherriff's sale was postponed yet again, and this time until September! June 4 2018 Edit: It appears that the sheriff's sale has been postponed until July: www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/06/04/Struggling-Century-III-Mall-sheriff-s-sale-west-mifflin/stories/201806040069 ----- It was just announced that Century iii will be going up for sale at Sherriff's auction. While this doesn't necessarily mean it is closing for good, it can go one of a few ways. The new owner may try to revitalize it, or they may raze, to create something new. At this point it's still unknown, but time will tell. Edit: As sharp sighted Dan Zunko has noticed, I mistakenly stated that Wicke’s Furniture replaced the old Gimbels top floor in *1977*...Of course I meant 1997, but I mis-spoke...I said 1977 in the narrative, but again, I meant 1997!! I also said that Gimbels opened Aug must 1, 1979, but I meant 1980. Sorry for the confusion!!! Thanks Dan!! pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/04/12/century-iii-mall-sheriffs-sale-posted-notice/

[@tyralikadiamondstar8960]

Sal Can you please give us another update if you hear anything else about this

[@sal]

Of course. One the sale goes through I’ll be keeping an incredibly close eye on it. I *may* revisit on my way out to Ohio again

[@rubym357]

Saw on Ace's channel this morning. There'll be a sheriff's sale in June from what he reports.

[@sal]

Yep, I made a sticky comment at the top of the comments here. Hopefully the new owners bring some life back to it.

[@joestewart8914]

Nobody can say that this mall is not EPIC in every way. It was overwhelming in 1979 when it opened and it is an EPIC failure now.

[@thed.i.ytinyhouseguy136]

You know a location is done for when the first thing you see is a Spirits Halloween store sign.

[@mixingrecords]

The D.I.Y Tiny House Guy fax

[@Deenique16]

Lol that's not true

[@KK-ex5zu]

Yeah no doubt, or in the south where I'm from they'll turn an old Sears or Macy's into a huge gun store or a huge fitness store that nobody uses!

[@MrEZE36]

Very true, these places get desperate for revenue and will approve short term 2 month leases

[@Ego-de4dt]

No truer words have ever been spoken.

[@sdimartino]

I always get sad watching videos like this. I'm a child of the 80's, and I spent a good portion of my childhood in places like this. Going to the arcade, getting an Orange Julius or a hot dog on a stick, hanging out with friends, etc. To see these places now rotting, empty, and desolate, I feel like I'm losing a piece of my childhood. It's heartbreaking. Thanks for the amazing video.

[@sal]

It’s utterly heartbreaking how far these malls have fallen...thank you so much for watching! Tons more on the way!

[@MultiBrad777]

Sergio Di Martino in DEED.....But the vast number of these malls that were built are identical... and from the same timeframe.... our great memories were cloned :)

[@Dxxxxxxx85]

Same here... brings good memories

[@jaimebranam]

Sbarro's

[@nativetexanful]

I feel the same way you do when I watch these videos. I see these empty malls so eerily quiet and imagine what they were like when they were thriving and full of people shopping for clothes and other things. Where I live there are some malls that are still open, but many of the shops are empty. They're just hanging by a thread.

[@darlenebruce679]

The last time I was in JCPenneys, I looked out into the emptiness of the mall with tears. Remembering how many times I waited for my daughter to finally come down those stairs. So sad, but a lot of good memories.

[@lizzierome1581]

Century three Chevrolet Lebanon church road Pittsburgh minutes from the mall! Who else remembers that jingle? It's been seared into my memory.

[@thegmack100]

Lizzie Rome when I heard it I forgot that it’s been forever since actually seeing those commercials. Seared into your memory is correct because it seems like yesterday lol.

[@MrTzcat]

Bendix Olds jingle is one I remember the best.

[@len-zeplin480]

Yep, We Remember it. Maybe C3 will get a Bailout like GM did. (They're too big to Fail) So we're told.

[@loumac2955]

The jingle still exist for Century 3 Chevrolet and every time I hear it, I add Minutes from the Mall. I loved this mall, in it's prime it was beautiful but in fairness many malls in Pittsburgh have survived the change in shoppers habits and some, like Ross Park Mall and Robinson Mall continue to do well.

[@sarahlynch4777]

I just sang it as I read your comment lol

[@mattbenz99]

This video is such a great explanation about why Americans are so tense right now. They are literally seeing a way of life that lasted for almost a century disappear in front of their eyes. The mall was a trademark of American prosperity, and they are disappearing all across the country. This along with the de-industrialization of the industry that created this prosperity is making people panic. The times, they are changing. Reminds me of the song Allentown by Billy Joel. We have a generation that feels lied to, they feel like the American dream is outside of their reach. "For the promises our teachers gave, if we worked hard, if we behaved. So the graduations hang on the wall, but they never really helped us at all."

[@MediocreRebel]

Yeah, I think we're screwed sometimes. Too expensive to eat healthy, too expensive for doctors, can barely go out on the weekends because theres no extra money to do that.

[@mattbenz99]

@@MediocreRebel Ya, I truly do believe that we are going to need quite radical reform in the next few decades. Companies no longer need the amount of workers they once did, and this is an issue that will compound as time goes on due to automation. Apple is currently the biggest company in the world, but they don't employ 10% of the amount of people Ford did when they held that title in the 60s. We are heading into a world where there simply are no available jobs for people. This is why we need a radical rethink because nothing from Marxism to Libertarianism is capable of solving this issue. Those ideologies are dependent on the working class already existing to help. UBI, in some form, is the inevitable future

[@rogermoody2660]

mattbenz99 [Canadian Gambit] Craft beer bar!

[@len-zeplin480]

Funny Thing is Allentown was Recorded at the High Point of Mall Prosperity.

[@SebisRandomTech]

Happy to see someone else who appreciates Billy Joel!

[@dontellgucci1117]

I was at this mall Christmas shopping in 1982 it was decorated so beautiful. This is sad to see

[@TralfazConstruction]

Malls around the country became the town squares of their day. The heyday of the malls in southeastern Pennsylvania and into New Jersey was the mid-2000s and then began the rapid decline. King of Prussia Mall is still battling the headwinds of online commerce but there are no guarantees. That area is affluent and can yet sustain a large mall complex. I'll even take a ride out there, twenty-three miles away from where I live, to enjoy the hustle and bustle.

[@UFOROX]

I worked at this mall in the 80s. And it was a special place during the holidays.

[@Mojj2099]

UFOROX wow that’s crazy me and my dad went there a few times couple years ago. Every time there was only a few people shopping never seen it busy

[@NickFerry]

No idea what it was about this video, but I was stuck to watching it - I'll chalk it up to deep existential thought with a heavy dash of better days gone by - btw, I have never been to this mall and the last time I was in PA I was stuck on the turnpike for hours - but not everyone can say they've made a snowman in the middle of the PA turnpike - so I got that going for me, which is nice - great video and even better story telling - If you're interested in more dead malls check out east town mall in Green Bay, Wisconsin - drop in and I'll give you a tour

[@sal]

I love you. Thank you so much for watching and please stay tuned and sub for more!

[@obaniehia]

a bit late for a reply but... you didn't miss much...

[@jab69420]

I made a pb&j sandwich on the pa turnpike so I doubt many can also say that

[@beegee80]

I get caught in a loop of watching dead mall videos. I find them really relaxing. I don't know why. They're just super fascinating to me.

[@connartistt8]

@@beegee80 same, I just found them yesterday and I’m addicted

[@good151]

This video literally made me cry. I remember going there with my mom and my brother when it first opened in 1979. I was 18 at the time. I remember being on the second floor and looking over at the workers who were still putting in the food court. I have so many memories there with not only my Mom, who passed in 1983, but also with my own kids. This was such a beautiful mall and it had everything you could possibly be looking for. The hours I spend in the record stores haha Thank you for sharing this. While the Mall may be closed up for good now...the memories can never be taken away.

[@thomasrpoulsen]

God bless you LouAnn

[@tiffanycurry4747]

Makes me cry too

[@Ironcabbit]

Seems like it was a very central mall - and famous due to Dawn of the Dead - so why did it die so finally and where’s the investment to resurrect it?

[@wvmontani]

This was painful to watch. My girlfriend-turned-wife and I used to shop there in the early 1980s. It seemed like almost a magical place to us. Some of the best years of our lives. :(

[@michaelsmith9308]

You just need to visit club 33:) Game on:)

[@whatmikedoes7358]

me too bud, my girlfriend turned wife and I used to work there as well as shop and hang out, definitely a magical place for us. boy that place sure would get buzzing during the holidays huh. and the weekends in the summer were fun.

[@amsandison5015]

WVMontani I agree with you 100% My friends and I used to live at the mall in the 80’s and 90’s it was like an entirely different world I live in Canada so they don’t stay empty long they just get torn down 😥

[@williamt5837]

I remember shopping there with my Mom and Grandma

[@deendrew36]

BorisaRed they probably spent a lot of time together there! In the 80’s and 90’s, teens spent lots of time in malls because it was cheap.

[@leisasmith4983]

Some day I wish someone would see the vision I've had for many years as I've watched these malls of yesteryear phasing out...as a baby boomer I see such amazing potential in these buildings for all inclusive living. They've done it across America with old abandoned schools with much success. These malls could provide housing along with eateries, hair salons, Walmarts etc...everything a person could need for everyday living. There would be common areas similar to indoor parks. The sky is the limit and these abandoned malls could be the most amazing all inclusive living communities. Someone could make a fortune!

[@braddocke.hutton7392]

I like this idea. Some day they'll look back and think we were idiots for letting these places die.

[@kimberlys655]

Here in Austin, a recently closed mall has transitioned into a beautiful community college campus. An old escalator has been turned into half of it...a stairway...and then the other half of it is now a bunch of really cool wooden seating with giant pillows.

[@SR-oc7fc]

Sign me up. I'd dump my mother (who is currently living with me after losing her house) there in a heartbeat!

[@tjroelsma]

Your idea is good, but it has a few problems. A lot of these malls are built on old garbage dumps and other parcels of land where all kinds of questionable materials are dumped in the past. So to see if a mall can be converted to housing would require some deep investigation on the history of not only the mall, but also of the land it is built on, in order to prevent serious health problems.

[@spazzman90]

My wife and I would love to live in one of these. Open the food court, have a grocery store, open some smaller retail spaces. Bingo. Hell of a lot more attractive than your standard apartment life.

[@davethomas8978]

I'm an old man now, but I remember watching the slag being dumped while shopping at the Haines' store. This was decades before the mall was built. I also shopped at the mall from time to time... Thanks for the walk down memory lane...

[@sal]

You’re welcome, Dave! Thank you for watching!

[@davethomas8978]

♥

[@nohandle227]

You're not alone Dave....It was wild at night...almost the whole top of the slag dump glowed red....

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

Happy new year Dave Thomas and Robert.a.ziemba

[@coach714]

Dave Thomas, the Wendy's guy?!?!

[@hectorfr91]

I guarantee this video will hit EVERY GEN Xer right between the eyes, ALL THE MEMORYS. These kids today have no idea on that which they missed out. I LOVED THE 80s it was an amazing time to be out and about with your friends. SAD SAD SAD.

[@RF-vg5kv]

This makes me sad, I spent many of weekends at centry 3 mall as a kid, it was the place to go.

[@daedum3177]

I couldn't agree more. My god I spent entire weeks at my local mall in the late eighties and early nineties during the summer when school wasnt in session.

[@angelalopez8897]

Wish we could have stayed in the 80s forever!

[@JJ-wk5wy]

I loved the 80's. I'm an 80' s kid. I still have great memories of going shopping at the mall with my mom. Being an 80' s teen probably would have been fun too.

[@ShepherdsSolarGuy]

I wish I could’ve lived during the 80’s during these teen years. I’m 18 and everyone just seems so out of touch with reality and don’t know how to socialize. It’s really said and I feel like I would have thrived back then.

[@davidallen3158]

I remember when you could spend the whole day in the mall.

[@BiffBallbag]

You still can, you'll just be by yourself.

[@Cj-hj6rm]

@@BiffBallbag rip

[@garnettsean]

Yes indeed

[@ddelaney712]

Now I know what people say about the soul leaving a place. I can almost hear the past echoing in the hallways. The future? Silence.

[@Victoria_Marie]

I teared up a little bit at 17:34 I remember running up that ramp as a kid the "puppy store" was right around there actually closer to the food court if I recall and after we left there we went over to Sears.

[@AskWlat]

Victoria Marie that was my routine with my mom too: go look at the puppies before we leave and go home.

[@christiankatic5408]

You and me both. I remember doing the same thing!

[@shinomustdie]

You remember that parrot that had in there. It used to scare me lol

[@ericacorrea1939]

Yes the puppy store😭

[@fbarrios99]

I was the first mall manager of Century III and have many fond memories of a great shopping center. When we opened the mall was the second largest mall in the country after another DeBartolo mall in Cleveland called Randall Park Mall. My 4 years there were instrumental in helping me and my career of 35 years in mall management. Sad to see it know but time moves on and nothing stays relevant forever.

[@chucksluver84]

I just don't understand what is so wrong with filming dead dying malls. We just preserving history and nothing else.

[@sal]

Exactly! But most mall owners/management fully understand that their malls are decaying, and I guess it’s an effort to portray *only* the material they advertise. They only want the public to see their website, commercials and PR materials, which were created when the mall was most likely at its prime. But...why entice someone to a mall that, in reality, is dark and unsafe? We all produce these videos to bring light to the subject and maybe...just maybe...make the mall owners do something about it.

[@GeneStarwindAMVS]

The thing is that the malls look at it being negatively affecting them by showing the mall in decline. It hurts them from getting future tenants and it puts it in a bad light. While I do see it as preserving and remembering a place where many of us have gone before, they don't see it like that. Some malls says its an invasion of privacy for the workers and the people shopping at the mall to film as you don't have permission to film there. I have a feeling Marley Station is heading the same way. It's losing more and more stores as it goes a long. I don't think mall management cares. Then again most of these business don't care and try to get away with charging top dollar when amazon, target, and walmart are beating you on prices. BestBuy even price matches now and that's the only reason they're surviving.

[@goopah]

We've got two old malls here in Bismarck (Kirkwood opened in 1969 and Gateway around 1980), and while Kirkwood is not thriving, it is doing pretty well, with very few vacant spaces. But Gateway has been struggling for years now. Amazingly, because of their valiant efforts, they've been filling their spots with various doctors' offices and other non-mall associated shops, and they are staying alive. They even managed to stick a new top facade around the whole mall, and re-tar the entire parking lot, which can't have been inexpensive for them.

[@BroccoliBeefed]

Sal , They won't do anything about it. It's like trying to sell or rent a home no one wants. Best thing to do is demolish it and put homes, hotels or office buildings there. Indoor malls are no longer en vogue. They are perfect places for public sex, if you have that fetish

[@scorpion8rage]

It's not public sex if no one is there lol.

[@Blahbevava]

Dead Malls = Proof few people have any money anymore to go out and just buy random things for fun. 80s and 90s were the golden years for consumers. Where do people "hang out" anymore? Everyone just seems to live inside now days on their screens. It's sad and disturbing.

[@natehawkins2910]

Mr. Extreme So right! In late ‘89-‘97 Our local New Towne Mall was bustling, fun and colorful with miles of Neon tubes and packed with people. I’ll never forget how fun that place was. Just beautiful with all of the colorful neon signs and clean appearance! Such a shame that everything today is starch and without character or pride.

[@ewfuoywoef32pri]

@@natehawkins2910 Time to turn inwards, and fix that forgotten town center. Malls were a ruse.

[@mikechermonitz3065]

Right? Or......ebay

[@davis6123]

In Central Indiana, malls are still the go to spot for high schoolers and college kids. With all the wealth north of Indianapolis, the malls still do very well.

[@eduardoBR1991]

It's funny, but I kinda miss going shop for my computer parts. Testing the stuff before actually deciding to buy. The only way to do this today, is if I'm buying a car, which doesn't happen often since I take my time before exchanging cars.

[@ryerwilkes3051]

My dog came from the pet store that used to be there RIP Thor you were a good dog

[@limoman4125]

I came searching for centry lll videos a couple years ago!! I came across sal!! Became a fan of his videos!! And still watch to this day!! After watching tonight premiere and knowing they are in the process of starting demo on the mall decided to come back and watch the videos sal did!! I know noone will see this comment but sal thank u this 3 part video u did on our mall tells the story the best and i along with lots of others i know appreciate what u did

[@beulahboi]

This place NEEDS to be an indoor Water park/Go Kart track/Playground for adults. Would be a huge money maker especially in the winter.

[@sal]

I’d pay dearly to patronize this place.

[@haydensteder7348]

The problem with that is that kennywood is right near this place, so it would cause competition that kennywood would inevitably win.

[@beulahboi]

I disagree, especially because Kennywood is closed half the year. That's like saying Sandcastle wouldn't work. It has :)

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

there was a huge indoor park called Old Chicago. It failed. Being not far from 4 million people, too.

[@randyhutchinson9910]

beulahboi yup

[@CMB76]

Thank you for this very insightful and well produced video. I was 3 years old when this mall opened, and went there my entire life. At one point they had a couple nice arcades, two toy stores, two music stores, a great little hobby shop, etc. It was THE place to go for everybody. There was a stage downstairs with live shows where I saw Scooby Doo and even Richard Simmons. My Ex wife worked at about 4 different stores there, and I could see the decline even back around 2008 and 2009. All of the stores she worked in are now gone. The last time I was there was about two years ago, and I can't believe how much worse it has gotten. Century III will always be part of my great childhood and young adult memories.

[@whorton4]

Pretty sad isn't it. A lot of us baby boomers feel the same way about all sorts of stuff that is gone now. I know how you feel.

[@matto8o9]

It's sad to see such places that were full of activity and community go by the wayside like some old shoe just so some endless cycle of a wastefully society can just continue to spin it's wheels without any real progress! In my opinion society is devolving into a new kind of chaos!

[@adamtereska8734]

Part of the problem that hasn't been mentioned is it's not just criminal thug activity, but people have simply changed. If it can be ordered online, why go to a store, where there are people, lines to wait in, finding a place to park, etc.? A big blind eye is turned to the flat lazification of humanity not wanting to go get something when it can be delivered to your door. For me, if I order something online, it is because the stores around me don't have it or it is something out of production. If it is in the stores, I go to the stores. People need to get off their lazy asses and go to the stores and buy the products they want.

[@christiankatic5408]

I grew up about a half-hour south of Century III and this just sent such vivid memories flooding back in. The last time I remember it actually being busy (which was notable because it was such a big mall, and even then - the 3rd floor barely had anything in it) my dad and I were Christmas shopping for my mom when I was probably 6 years old. Appropriately and somewhat ironically, I remember the song, “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman playing as we held hands, walking back through the concourse. It’s funny. I feel like when I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to grow up, and now I’m watching this video, daydreaming about being a kid again. It’s those memories that myself and so many others hold that make places like this more than just a building. Thanks for taking the time to shoot this!

[@slipvelocity33]

My grandfather used to take my family there in the 80s and early 90s.. was such a nice place

[@budstephens7239]

Dammm if you are not a professional film maker you outta be !! Perfect video , I’m a trucker for over 40 years and have delivered to thousands of places and still remember bringing a load of floor tile when they we’re doing one of those big stores... damm that back ground sound track was creeping me out !!!!

[@sal]

Thanks Bud!! Tons more content on the way!

[@johnmartin2510]

yeah that apocalyptic ambient music was awesomely creepy...

[@Kittydoc90]

In 1981, my husband, a freshly minted ensign in the USN, was stationed in Pittsburgh for 6 months. During that time, he purchased my engagement ring, 1/6 carat, at the Century lll Mall-the best quality stone he could afford rather than the largest. And then he proposed to me, a complete surprise as we’d only been dating for 5 months and "weren’t going to get serious" since he was going to be leaving for Pittsburgh. In fact, the day he proposed, I initially thought he’d come home to break up with me. We spent the first month of our marriage in "Pissburgh"-January 1982, the climate was lousy as was the general temperament of the citizens-economic times were very hard back then-and pollution was horrible. Melting snow turned into black-yes, black-ooze on the roads. Let’s just say I was glad when we left. Century lll Mall, built on that slag heap, was very close to our home and it was a place to go to walk around. The mall hasn’t survived but our 37 year marriage has-he’s still my best friend, ally, and love, and I dare say he feels the same way about me. Thank you for posting your exploration and including such a thorough history of the place. It’s brought back soooooo many memories.

[@elim7228]

I wonder if the locals would mind a pollution now, if it brings the lost jobs back. I think I know the answer. Congratulations on your marriage, people like you should teach nowadays women how to behave. Although, I don't think anything will help at this point.

[@elwin38]

Love conquers all..💖🧡🚢

[@Kittydoc90]

elwin38 😊

[@flamingapplepie1]

Som eOne we still have lots of jobs here they’ve just changed from industrial kind of jobs. We have lots of good hospitals here for example. People all go to Ross park mall because it’s the nicest, safest, and on the bus line. Ofc Ross park just lost its sears so we’ll see if that’s a bad sign for it...

[@LiveINtheGood53]

Kittydoc90.... sorry for you but at least you were there when the Steelers were still awesome and were playing championship football!

[@kristensorensen2219]

These are traded like bad baseball cards. With the nationwide homeless disaster these places could be home to these people. The elderly would benefit from living in a giant indoor community where there is indoor space to walk and socialize. A new kind of community could be invented to use these spaces.

[@Lynx112]

@Rose Treiger they like to hurt people and take their things? Homeless aren't criminals, criminals are criminals so until every homeless person Has been on trial for something they may or may not do, same as everyone else may or may not, for example, shoplift, nobody should judge an unfortunately growing number of people by the actions of a few. They ask for money and by lord do they get a hard time, one lady I spoke to got kicked around by 4 guys because they thought she was a lone homeless guy, like that makes it ok, and it was entertaining to them. She wasn't a drunk or an addict she had fallen on hard times since universal credit was introduced, as have many people. It would be OK for either homeless or elderly not both, or better neither. It's just that seeing a huge building going to complete waste and people draining more money into it gives me the chills when I walk past so many homeless people daily. Think of all the other things that could have been done with the building, rather than keeping throwing money away on having it stood there unused. It's sick!

[@bochillin6712]

You might want to start a chain of kindness just pick one off the street and have them move in with you

[@MediocreRebel]

I was literally just thinking about it being repurposed as a living space too. Too bad though, because the people in power only care about transferring our funds into their swiss bank accounts.

[@charlotteskiftun753]

Agreed....very poor management of resouces

[@davewyler1417]

And who pays for it and maintains the large building? Time for a reality check, use some common sense. Nothing like making a problem worse. Geez

[@rachelrivera91]

Like probably many of your subscribers or viewers in general, I had this profound sense to come back to this video to re view it once again. I don’t know if it’s just the fact that this video had more than a million views but it’s a video production that stood the test of time. 6 years after the video released, you’re still seeing more people viewing this video. This was one of your masterpieces. This video will continue to engage viewers especially the fact that the Century 3 Mall has to be probably one of the most explored dead or abandoned malls. It’s up there. People are still curious about this mall. And the fact that it’s in the demolition stage. It's a sad fate for C3 Mall and people are reminiscing about their time there. Many content creators on You Tube have created videos of this mall. It’s a beautiful aesthetically designed mall from one of the great architects of that time period. Who can resist watching videos of C3 Mall? IMR! I couldn’t. I kept coming back to this video several times and felt the intense desolation of this once thriving building that had life in its beginning during the 80s and 90s. And then at the time of your exploration, it started to perish, clinging to its life but with no signs of life left to live. The classical musical tune in the beginning really fits in with its desolate state. Thank you Sal for putting this masterpiece for us viewers and future generations to see . To see how this mall was once a cherished cultural icon that reflected the prosperity of the 80s and 90s when people went and gathered at the malls. Sad to see many malls have died and many today are in the brink of dying. Peace be with you Sal.

[@lovetodecorate7568]

Boy do I miss this mall😪. It was our best, largest and most fun to hang out in. I noticed it started going down hill when the Waterfront Mall in Homestead opened which I had a feeling it would. I have such fond nostalgia of this mall. There was a time when u couldn’t even get a good parking space, it was that popular and & busy. I had a buddy that worked at a jewelry counter in the middle of it. I recognized every scene shot in Mind Hunter. Such a shame.....😪😥😓

[@davidturner2113]

That has happened to a lot of shopping centers in the country. There isn't enough customers to support them anymore. Online shopping has hurt them a lot. But when I was a kid we didn't have online shopping and the malls were full. Our country still had a lot of manufacturing jobs and the steel industry was still strong. All of that is gone now, it's too bad. Some economists have said our economy has shrunk a lot since the 1970's and stagnated; and much of it is never coming back. That is why there are so many people with out jobs or low paying jobs. We have actually been in a depression for 35 years in this country. Of course you will never get the government to acknowledge this or the politicians.

[@natehawkins2910]

David Turner Agreed!! I remember by fruit of the looms saying “made in USA” on the tag and pretty much everything else! It’s so sad what the globalist agenda has done to the USA. I miss the late 80’s and 90’s so bad!!

[@leonidas14775]

Wages haven't kept up with inflation and department stores now have to compete with people who flip stuff from alibaba and DHgate online.

[@melgon25]

Gone are the days of people coming out of high school and getting high paying manufacturing jobs (or otherwise). Good jobs to support families and grow the economy. Trades are the way to go. My husband talks of the shortage all the time. 3-5 yr apprenticeships. But all you say is so true!

[@generalkickass6385]

You spoke true facts

[@chaddeez8446]

America has consumed itself. We're living in a different era now. As a kid you keep thinking things will get better with time and age like there's no stopping us, but things have really changed in the 21st century and especially since 9/11.

[@guitarmdpittsburgh7139]

When I was a kid in the mid 1950's, it was a big treat to drive out to West Mifflin and watch the steel companies dump slag off the hill where Century III was later build.

[@sal]

I love this memory

[@gregboone6158]

As a person that used to work in malls for yrs. I feel sad when I see something like this. What else can I say.

[@good151]

I agree. I started in the food court then moved on to Gimbels. Its heart breaking to watch.

[@jerrybowker2018]

Wow. I lived nearby this Mall when I was a kid and hung out there alot ( this was early to mid 80's) and have some cool memories of that place. To see it like this now decades later is a freaking trip. It was beautiful in it's time. I hope it gets a fresh shot at being something again.

[@sundance0825]

Why aren't the old malls rehabbed as an apartment complex for elderly and disabled? Even working folks who appreciate affordable living which provides a few restaurants, shops, offices. Maybe a theater, indoor pools, gyms. The open spaces in the middle would be a wonderful community type atmosphere since the weather here is 90% of the time is just plain drearily miserable.

[@theangryitalian7922]

Lisa Anne Grillo because that idea makes too much sense and no money 💰

[@melgon25]

Great video....positives: calm nice voice, no swearing. Swearings not a huge deal if it’s not excessive but I can’t let my kids watch then. I can let my kids watch this video. Thank you. That mall is eye opening. I live not far from Milwaukee WI. Our mall is oh so similar to that mall. Smaller. One story. So many stores closed, things blocked off, access to mall closed off from stores. Stores opening up as more of a separate from the mall thing. Really too bad. The good thing is, someone bought it, they are doing a ton of work. Got all the kiosks out. Are working on getting the “no name” stores out. I have my strong doubts it can truly be revived but seeing malls like this make me thankful they’re trying I guess. Thanks for a nice video.

[@sal]

Hey Mel! The only piece of mine that includes swearing is my Forest Fair Pt. 2 video, and after the first ten minutes, it’s back to normal. My narration will never include excessive swearing if any. Many apologies, but it’s a heads up for you and the kiddos. Thanks for watching!

[@calithunder]

I have so much appreciation for people like you who help preserve history :)

[@llg3pe]

When I was 12 back in ‘82, I used to go there on Friday nights with my mother and grandmother. They bought a pendulum clock in the clock store which my mom still has today. It used to be packed with people and was booming back then. It was THE mall in Pittsburgh when it opened.

[@goldwinger5434]

Malls are their own worst enemies. If I go to a mall where I live or go to one 2,000 miles away, the stores are exactly the same. The malls actively worked to drive out the interesting local shops.

[@prodbycams2130]

Looks like the interesting local shops got the last laugh. Malls aren't what they used to be.

[@redriveral2764]

Interesting to watch the progression. Downtown shopping was destroyed by regional malls, now malls are being destroyed by internet shopping.

[@Geno2733]

@@redriveral2764 ....And Retail Cities popping up around the corpses of the malls.

[@belindaphillips2779]

@@prodbycams2130 we have beautiful malls in Houston Tx

[@belindaphillips2779]

@Hope Ful no Amazon hasnt taken over yet

[@treatngizzy]

The poor place was going downhill when I bought my wife's engagement ring back in 2000 or so.. seeing it now is wild. I pass it from time to time and wonder if there is anything still in there . The music playing in a totally empty space that big with all the echos is creepy and cool ! Needs to be a huge haunted house this year ;)

[@greggreg4072]

Cenobyte The poor place is sexy as boy butts

[@mangoldm]

I was in high school when this mall was built. It was so futuristic. I loved to go there to buy Gary Numan tapes and play video games.

[@unit2655]

Michael Mangold You Sir, have a great taste in music. #tubewayarmy

[@christianfreedom-seeker934]

Michael Mangold who the hell is Gary Numan???

[@unit2655]

Anonymous Libertarian look up the video "Cars" on KZbin. He's most popular for that. He was New Wave/techno.

[@dalethelander3781]

"Here in my car, I feel safest of all. I can lock all my doors, it's the only way to live. In cars."

[@brötzmannsax]

I would never admit it to anyone if I bought a Gary Numan tape, crappy taste!

[@Boccaccio1811]

5:56 - you can’t have the true mall atmosphere without a bird flying around inside =)

[@sal]

Sooo true. God I miss this mall...

[@Boccaccio1811]

Sal - Yeah, I guess I should be grateful that the malls I go to are still open. Then again, I live by Woodfield Mall which is one of the largest in the US, so hopefully it’s not going anywhere anytime soon

[@phenomz28]

Word of advice, Sal. Next time you're setting up an undercover ID: Wear dress clothes and a tie; act like you belong wherever you are; be happy to meet security guards instead of running away from them and ask them questions instead of the other way around. Pretend you are a Real Estate Broker who has a client interested in purchasing the property. It wouldn't hurt to print up a few phony business cards to hand out. You will be welcomed everywhere.

[@sal]

Noted. They’ll never know what hit them.

[@Trim01]

It's a damn clever idea, but fair point as well.

[@anazavala585]

I agree its clever

[@kjjstone]

That is a great idea! I would use a respected real estate agency name and print out cards that looked like theirs, but with your number on them.

[@odettemariemoronez7977]

Great advice4 sal &whomever!🤨😘🙅‍♀️🤗😁💋good lookin out!

[@vids4791]

I had a piece of pizza at the Italian Oven, the last food vendor in the "food court" right before it closed.

[@simondaniel4028]

Italian Village Pizza! Oh man that was the highlight of the mall when I was a kid. Still a few locations around PA. Squirrel Hill location is great, and McKnight too!

[@softuniverse7771]

@@simondaniel4028 i can taste it. their sicilian slices were great

[@jeffreythompson7110]

I like how you give us a history on the property. it’s nice to hear the details. thanks .

[@sal]

The history is my first priority. Anything that I can dig up on the place I visit is just as interesting to me as the place itself. Thanks so much for watching! Stay tuned, lots more coming!

[@RB747domme]

This was painful to watch. It sent a shiver down my spine. It's like I was watching the beginning of the end for the American Dream. So sad. I've been to three dead malls now - one huge one in Illinois, which was massive and one of the largest in America back in the 1980s, full of people when I used to shop there in the late 80s. It's now got a dereliction order, and is due to be demolished. I've been to a couple more, in Vegas, and California. The hell is going on with malls these days? I can't blame online sales for the death of malls. Other malls elsewhere are doing just fine. I just think that location is so important, and those that rush to put up these giant malls in the 80s weren't really considerate enough as to where they put them and how much throughput they would get. The death of general Commerce in both the High Street and shopping malls, is concerning to me and every other American. I can't say that the odd refurbishment is going to change anything. They just have to be torn down and repurposed.

[@sal]

Do me a favor and watch my sequel to this. Episode 36 is way more comprehensive!!

[@pittsburghpirate58]

The American dream is now only for the top 1%. Thanks to working class and middle class voting for billionaire interests and not their own. All because the rich criminalize Latinos and African Americans and know that white middle and working class would rather see people of color get beat down than think about the real enemy.

[@ar-sithf.austin3744]

Wrong and wrong. The rich 1% didn't end this and aren't "beating people of color down" or anything or anyone, no one is--you must be a time traveler from the 50s and 60s back filthy hippie, back where you belong! You're totally deluded believing that kind of leftist shill brainwashed propaganda. People who say things like you have are the real anti-American losers of our generation and have bought a bill of goods that are a total lie. Go to a mall in the south like Grapevine Mills in the DFW area and you'll see 1000s of immigrants and other regular Americans enjoying the American dream on a weekend in a successful mall with successful american retail stores next to successful local and foreign naturalized business entrepreneurs. It's funny how all these leftist ran bankrupt cities and places are now squalid hell holes of feces, needles and homelessness and the conservative states whose cities welcome people with open arms have balanced budgets and are a success (you'll find a lot more conservative leaning or true liberal immigrants than the foolish totalitarian lying leftist ones on any good day as their religious beliefs have similar conservative values) But none of you would believe that to be the way things are in the south because you can't differentiate truth and reality of the times and current president from the lies and bullshit peddlers downing him and this nation on a daily basis. I lived up north and down south And know without a doubt people up north are the true ignorant bigots about half the rest of the nation to their left or right or sitting below their feet. They "think we are all just cousin marrying, racist, hateful, gun toting rednecks". What a joke... And yes, online commerce and social networking have killed regular public networking and most malls. They cannot compete with the prices in a retail box store in a mall as you can online. Sorry but it will never happen. Why waste the time and money to even go to a mall except for nostalgia when you can get it 40% cheaper sent to the house and not do so much as only lift a hand and finger to order it?

[@BGNOLA]

@@pittsburghpirate58 Corporations have bought the silence of the Left: all they have to do is slap a rainbow flag on their advertising one month a year and pay lip service to BLM, and they can get away with anything.

[@BGNOLA]

It's like the 21st century version of THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS.

[@robinvoskampbianco7335]

I live very close to here and remember when the "fires fell down the mountain". The Mall was always packed, back when everything was open. Thanks for the memories!!

[@CarlNeimeyer]

That last beautiful view was my everyday view I took for granted 18 years ago when I would walk out of Sears to the food court for lunch.

[@BroccoliBeefed]

Carl Neimeyer , Someome actually shopped at Sears? 😂

[@maxbrazil3712]

Just got back from a trip to Medellin, Columbia. The mall culture there is alive and thriving. I'm amazed how quickly I forgot what an interesting and fun place it is to hang out, watch people and browse.

[@jbrandan5605]

Great Vid - Thanks! The Pittsburgh area has always been my home and I had just graduated high school when this mall officially opened in 1979. It's hard to believe that it is (at least mostly) gone now.

[@BelleReign1]

I like how descriptive this video is. Most abandoned mall videos just explore without much explanation. Thank you.

[@sal]

Thanks Rachel! I take pride in my research...although I may revisit some malls or sites, and for these “sequels” I may not recite the history since it was done in the first one...

[@headiero]

I grew up in this mall. I was there all the time in the 1980's with my cousins. We would get so excited to go. Thank you for the research and history you put into this video. I'm so depressed now😥

[@headiero]

FFwF011 I moved to another state 20 years ago.

[@headiero]

FFwF011 It really is. In it's heyday it was a Goliath of a mall. Are you from the Pittsburgh area, or have ever visited Century III?

[@rrk426]

Adding the old ad audio in the background adds such a cool atmosphere that makes me shiver, nice idea

[@ginnywilliams8159]

Loved this! Crazy maze mall. It’s fascinating how detailed and large they made these old malls. Great video!

[@elim7228]

It's not old.

[@neightneight1280]

Documenting the decaying cathedrals of consumer CULTure is a worthy endeavor, sir. The vintage- audio makes it Art. Damn nostalgic for those who grew up around such grandiose places; I have such mixed feelings seeing a local hangout spot nearing extinction.. Thanks for the share!

[@loriloo1039]

Malls were a huge part of my childhood. My first job was in a mall. Thank you for the footage and memories!

[@carolinecook2922]

I hv such great memories at Century 3 Mall! Moved to Pittsburgh from Texas in 1986 and worked at kaufmanns, hornes, lazarus, gimbels, among alot of other companies in this mall. Sad to see it closed! This place was alwayssss busy! Esp with early morning walkers, which I actually saved a elderly mam from choking! I got discovered in this mall & became a model for 15 years as well. Took my kids here on weekends.Had great times there. Simon always closes their malls! Its about $$$. Thank god I hv fotos there.

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

You did your homework and you did an awesome job thanks again. Have gone to this mall since I was very little

[@haydensteder7348]

This was absolutely amazing! Finally! A documentary on century III!

[@HeatherExplores19]

This mall was beautiful when I was a kid, especially around Christmas time. :(

[@sds3306]

Heather Sparkles What happened to it?

[@museumandtravel]

YES

[@melvinbennett444]

@ mrt57....this mall didn't open until 1980 or so. Hornes dept store became an Anchor in 1986. What killed this mall and most malls, are the roving gangs of savages, which keep real purchasers away. And then the roving gangs of savages steal like crazy. People don't want to face up to the facts.

[@deathcheater9303]

Heather Sparkles I remember being excited as a kid to visit this mall.

[@melvinbennett444]

@ mrt57rn. The mall is in Allegheny County and there were no farms around that area for tens of miles. You are one big fat liar. And like there is a world of difference between 1979 & 1980. Most of the stores in this mall did not open up until 1980 moron. And I lived within 10 minutes of the this mall. So YOU STFU LYING POS/

[@mattiep81]

As someone who lived in Pittsburgh for a few years, I used to frequent this mall. I loved the comic shop, which has since relocated to the Water Front area, as well as a couple of the other stores. This was in 2012 to 2018. It's sad to see how far it has fallen in just the short time since I've been gone.

[@sharonoffl1349]

This was a beautiful, thriving, busy mall where I shopped for many years. How sad.

[@keithd.glasgow809]

Sal, you produced an excellent documentary - it is rare in you tube presentations like this to have some intelligent narration based on actual historical facts. You are to be commended. I found this very haunting for several reasons. I grew up in Pennsylvania and left in 1971. The mall concept had just come into its own in the late 60s and was, as you suggested, considered the wave of the future. These were suburbia's new town squares, the hub of activity for the modern consumer, and functioned as "training wheel" communities for teenagers trying out their independence. How quickly things changed. There are a couple of questions left unanswered in your piece. For all appearances the mall was closed and blocked, and yet we see old folks sitting on benches, and walking around like ghosts. How did they get in? How were the security guards not bothered by their presence? I'd like to suggest that you offer a more thorough explanation if you can. It would help your viewers to better process the deathbed decline of Century III. Everything changes in a dichotomy of technical advance, and societal decline, and this story is a kind of metaphor of what we see daily on a much larger scale in America. It is also a poignant, personal story allowing many who grew up in that time to reflect on the passage of time and their place in it, and perhaps learn something worth sharing.

[@timhollis3390]

Parts of the mall are closed and parts are still open.I just took my walk in there today.Theres still about 6 stores open.

[@scrapycoll]

It is a shame. Was a beautiful mall at one time. Sad to see all malls struggling partially due to online. It is expensive to rent mall space and pay employees. However you don't see cheaper prices when ordering online from the warehouses.

[@boudreux9318]

I used to go there so much as a kid in the 80's, that a lot of the dreams I have today,.. I still find myself wandering around that mall jam packed with people on a Friday or Saturday night. It was a great place. I'm shocked at how fast it came and went.

[@laurieguzman5577]

Thanks for being a risk taker! I haven’t been there for years since moving away in 87. I am so sad to see the condition of this once beautiful Mall! I still think it’s worth saving/restoring. Thanks for sharing!

[@usaturnuranus]

I was thinking along the same lines - the interior looks like it's been pretty well taken care of.

[@nordicdraw]

You always capture the ghosts of better times. The carousel is lovely as with all your video chronicles the research is impeccable. You are the Ken Burns of Urban Exploration

[@sal]

Thank you so much!

[@robertholtz]

Good job on researching the history. It adds much more richness to the visuals. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@BBQDad463]

I am 71. We used to go Christmas shopping at Century III Mall. It was quite a vibrant place to shop. It was so much better than the old days of walking up and down city streets at night, in the cold, the wind, the rain, and the snow. I hated trying to cross streets jammed with traffic. In the mall, it was safe and warm, one could take one's time, sit on a bench and rest for a minute. It is sad to see such properties, built at such great expense, reduced to hollowed-out, derelict hulks, waiting to be demolished. What a waste!

[@rachelrivera91]

Pretty sad!

[@manbearmartialarts250]

A great video and I always think it's really ridiculous when management pretends the business isn't failing when it obviously is

[@ratsnroplive5575]

Its very sad and depressing but its not just malls capitolism buisnesses dying, its the world sadly everything is changing for the worst great video.

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

It's a race to the bottom for everyone except government employees and the politicians

[@greggreg4072]

Ratsnrop Live it's very sad and depressing that boys like you don't bend over in front of me fetching brew hahas

[@philipthomey7884]

The average wage is too low for people to go shopping just for fun. America's business model , greed and consumerism, isn't working. Can't buy clothes with food stamps.

[@cindyburrell8426]

I love Pittsburgh,I hated it when I had to move,it will always be in my heart and soul😓

[@ednaperhach2769]

Yes it has a way of doing that. I live in Elizabeth . 💔💔

[@dondep]

I just finished this one and it started your later, longer video about the mall and I'm just dropping a note to say thanks for helping to keep the memories of civilization alive for future generations, as well as for our own entertainment and enjoyment. when I was 12 years old I went to what was then the largest mall in the US, Park City in Lancaster PA, and it was a dream then. I was given $20 allowance to spend and it was like a dozen Christmases all rolled up into one. Later in life I managed several kiosks at another Mall a rather large one near Washington DC. In some ways it's a good thing that people don't need to go to a mall to shop, but in other ways we really miss them.

[@enroachingentei3474]

2015: We went to century III mall. I was with my parents and it was a really nice mall. It’s a shame how much that this mall has changed in just 3 years.

[@HeatherExplores19]

Its so funny that they are trying to keep people from seeing how bad it is when it’s no secret.

[@daveruhe4031]

I'm sure it's for the benefit of the few remaining tenants. I remember when the mall was new and getting lost in it when I was young. I could never figure out what stores where in what wing and on what level. I think I got my first pair if ice skates there at the Hermann's Sporting Goods.

[@sal]

Thanks for watching!

[@akaAlexthekid]

Heather sparkles? Yeah she does ;)

[@erikr3180]

Heather Sparkles heather, can i marry you!

[@niccosanchez824]

I think it's odd that he claims that the security is so strict yet he has not one picture of any security 💭🤔

[@crowmigration8245]

Easily my favorite dead mall channel now. How the heck do you only have 400 subs?

[@sal]

We all have to start somewhere Crow! Even though my KZbin channel is like...9 years old haha. But really, I’m dedicating myself now to the Expedition Log, and will continue to explore and work on my production value. Before we get to a million subs, I’ll give you OG status as an original Quitean :)

[@erinbricker-urbanhistorian5803]

:)

[@studioward9416]

Crow Migration, because Dan Bell has all the others.

[@lindabrittner5062]

I was at Century III Mall during opening weekend with a friend from high school. It was huge, beautiful and so fancy. They had live birds, foliage, koi fish in pools and a many good restaurants. I shopped there frequently throughout the 80s and 90s until moving out of state in 2002. This was THE happening place to be for many years. Sad to see it empty and in disrepair.

[@SDChargers93]

Man oh man good ol route 51 u was driving down. Good times at this mall. Where I bought my plain tees. Then in 2016 ish I bought old games and discounted jerseys from the champs upstairs and where the smoke shop was. Was where the old retro gaming store was. This was the last mall me and my mom visited before she died , my last good Christmas I believe it was 2013 or 2014 she bought me a Blue XXL Kobe Bryant jersey. That was my last good Christmas before I didnt have any for a while. I can truly go on and on about my stories about century 3 mall. I miss this place so much

[@XDM10]

I feel u. Sad 2 see it like that. Early 2000s I was in that place 2-3 times a week. A lot of memories there.

[@SDChargers93]

@@XDM10 yeah bro so many memories. Especially the pizza shop in the food court . Always nice and courteous

[@natalielbeauty4266]

I worked in this mall at Regis Salons. When I worked there it was on the decline and they eventually closed us and moved us to a salon in a near by strip mall. I remember the ceilings leaking and when you would call management they would ask if you wanted a tarp or a bucket. We knew it was going down hill and we would close eventually. I do miss working there though.

[@spuriouseffect]

nataliebeauty What year was that?

[@macadonis9242]

Hi cutie

[@darringraham2613]

natalielbeauty best times of my life was working in the mall

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

If you have a problem like this in a rental, you can deduct it off the rent. At least in Illinois and a residential.

[@tammymcpherson9982]

Thanks!! That was cool, and sad at the same time. It’s amazing how wasteful the world is with structures that they build!! Great job, and look forward to seeing more of your stuff!!!

[@chrisburgess8690]

I grew up in the area and remember when that place opened. When I was very young the slag hill still glowed at night. Seeing this open, across from Children’s Palace toy store, was amazing. I had never seen anything so huge and impressive before. It is mystical and sad to watch this. I would never have imagined this fate back then. Sad. But thanks for being interested and sharing.

[@stevenboswell220]

YOUR VOICE IS PERFECT FOR THIS

[@karenkasulke2294]

It really is!

[@nordicdraw]

It’s not possible to overstate the significance of any of these empty-ing, decaying, broken fossils. At the least Malls were communal, they were always our “first, last and in-between”. Malls were a strong part of our modern culture and they are experiencing a short life span. Literally pushed to the side at the push of a button and a delivery truck. By nature, I think people need these gathering places. Eventually it will be about more than just the most recent shiny purchase ordered while on the toilet.

[@sal]

It’s such a shame what’s happened to retail culture.

[@garygansbrubaker]

It's finding the easiest way to make a profit for their stockholders. Main Street/High Street shops said the same thing in the 1980s.

[@esesenordenegro2064]

These kind of buildings, abandoned malls, could be used as futuristic places for movies... Or recycled buildings for offices.

[@good151]

In April 2018, filming took place in the old Macy's Furniture Gallery wing for the Netflix original series Mindhunter.

[@cherylsmith4826]

I think apartments or houses reconfigured into the existing space- I would live in a mall- never mow grass or shovel snow- little ponds & plants in the common space- hell yeah

[@MillerVanDotTV]

Tear them down and put solar panels fields there or plant trees.

[@ArtistChibi]

.-. That advertisement. THAT ADVERTISEMENT FOR CHEVY! GAWD! I never thought I would ever hear that echo in my head ever again after leaving PA. ;-; That was throughout the 90s. I feel so old, right now.

[@realazduffman]

That glass elevator at 10:49, you have no idea what a big deal that was when the place opened. Everyone had to ride it.

[@412foto]

Pittsburgh area has 5 very large malls...Century III is obviously a goner as shown in your video. Monroeville has quite a few empty store fronts and has had issues with violence so they are struggling. Mall of Robinson is in a busy retail area and doing decently. Ross Park Mall has super high end fashion and other brands like Nordstrom, LL Bean, etc although just lost Sears but getting a Lego store too. And then some geniuses thought they'd build yet another model and didn't see the writing on the wall that malls were declining...so the massive Pittsburgh Mills mall since with under 50% occupancy as well.

[@sal]

Pittsburgh Mills is my next destination!!! After I revisit Century 3 :)

[@cathywills97]

I used to go to Pgh Mills frequently. I hate to see what stores are left.

[@cathywills97]

@@sal oh please do!!

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

@Atheos B. Sapien it was built to get property taxes to pay for School Employees and government employees that's why these malls are built

[@pbrower2a1]

They were magnificent buildings, testament to the free spending that a prosperous middle class used to do.The middle class has shrunk significantly and become less prosperous as America has become much more inegalitarian in economic reality. Little matters anymore in America except the enrichment, indulgence, and power of the economic elites. The shopping mall no longer has its free-spending middle-class shoppers in adequate numbers and as willing to spend. These places were expensive to build and operate, which may explain why box stores do sort of OK. Maybe these places can get new purposes. But their day is over. I see malls dying in many places as retailers die (like Bon-Ton, Radio Shack, Sears, etc.) and contract in desperate efforts to survive. Note, of course, that the usual life expectancy of a retail store site is about forty years, and that a shopping mall built in the 1970s needs major refurbishing to not be decrepit.

[@elim7228]

All good, valid points. People are tapped out, middle class has shrunk and continues to do so. Where it not for the lines of credit, the whole retail thing would have imploded a long time ago.

[@BillyBlazeTheKeenest]

I've returned to this video after many years and it's still a phenomenal production. Thanks for making this, Sal.

[@rachelrivera91]

It really is phenomenal production. I’ve been going back to viewing this video several times already.

[@jamesmcdunn]

Bravo, Salvatore! You do a nice job researching your expeditions and providing Voice-over, rather than just the "run-and-gun" that a lot of people, do. I like the creepy music through it, too. It does amaze me how malls look alike. I ilive in Schaumburg, IL (suburb of Chicago), home of Woodfield Mall. Hopefully, I won't see you doing an expedition there soon!

[@sal]

I’ve come a seriously long way since ExLog 14...make sure to catch up to ExLog 69!

[@Thghjfghjf]

This was my mall growing up, it’s so sad this mall used to be beautiful

[@panampia]

This would make a great development for senior living

[@hertzair1186]

Pia Colucci : I agree...that would be an outstanding use, and a need...senior living complex, make it as luxurious as possible, and affordable.

[@galechicago325]

And windowless! If you ever worked at a store in a mall, you’d know that store would be the last place you’d want to live.

[@jasonm6468]

From Youngstown, Ohio originally and worked in a restaurant called "Paonessa's which was owned by Ed Debartolo Sr. during the early 1990's. He would come in for dinner and the executive chef who was from Milan would run back to the kitchen hollering, " Mr D's here" and everyone would start hustling. Interesting place to work. Food was good!

[@JJ-wk5wy]

It is so sad to see a place like this, especially since there are still a few stores in operation. And seeing the odd person walking around just doing regular shopping, possibly reminiscing in their minds what the mall used to be like. There is a much smaller mall in my former hometown that has gone this way.

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

This is so sad. Used to go there in late 80’s with my family when I lived in wheeling,wva. It was a happy time.

[@RandyOnTheRadio]

I heard today is the last day the public can get into the mall. (June 1, 2018). I'm going to try and go. I did hear that JCPenney will remain open though. Supposedly, they bought their part of the building complex years ago, so they own their store. That's what I was told. Explains why they closed the entrance into the mall though. Randy McDaniels, TLC.

[@andrewdiamond2697]

Makes sense. Often Sears, Penneys, and some other anchors actually owned their real estate (building and land) that was attached to the mall.

[@cpu554]

Penny's in SW PA has a strange history. They moved the Penny's from the Washington mall to a strip mall down by the Meadows,but the mine subsidence caused it to close and they had to move back to the Washington mall. And if you want to see a depressing mall,that is one you can't miss.

[@Jcrescent1]

I used to spend my summers in Greensburgh PA and that Century III Chevrolet commercial brought back some serious childhood memories. I don't recall ever visiting this mall though.

[@jpskiskate2000]

8:00 Pretty sure thats the ghost of my grandpa waiting for my grandma to get done shopping...

[@lauramcneill363]

😂

[@melanieleitch3135]

I grew up on Route 885, and watched the mall being built. I was 16 when it opened, and it was THE place to be. So sad.

[@BlueCollar850]

This place is a graveyard of the American Dream. I try to imagine the history of this building. The families Christmas shopping. The teenagers playing in the arcades. Young women buying makeup and shoes. One day this place will be a ghost; a reminder of what used to be.

[@MrMusicTop40]

Yup just like Rolling Acres in Akron Ohio became...very sad.

[@mamachicken1548]

It already is a ghost

[@davidcribbs367]

Yup, spent alot of teenage nights hanging out at Century 3 in early 90s

[@good151]

It was an amazing place to be. The mall decorated for Christmas was breathtaking. I spent many hours in the third floor arcade as well as the record stores. Kids today will never know the many hours you could spend going through album after album or, waiting in line for concert tickets haha Century III Mall is missed by many people. We do still have Monroeville Mall, where Dawn of the Dead, was filmed. It still seems to be doing well though the ice skating rink is no longer there.

[@cdell261]

I was practically raised in this mall. My aunt took me here a lot. I would sometimes do my homework in the food court, then we would eat Italian Village Pizza, followed by walking around. Sometimes, I would get a toy at KB Toys or the Dollar Store. 😊