The Centre at Glen Burnie , Maryland - A Soon to be Demolished Mall - Expedition Log #6

[@geribaldi2]

I grew up in Glen Burnie and as a kid this was where I would hang out. Montgomery Wards was on the opposite end and Toys R us on the other side. That is why we call it the Glen Burnie Mall simply because it was a mall. The end opposite had a large arcade (before and even after the arcade bust of 82 they had ton of classic games and pinball machines) across from M. Wards and the center area in front of Toys R Us had a handful of arcade machines rotated out of the arcade. I also helped Manage a pizza shop there in the mid-80’s. Between the old movie theatre that was there (Where I saw Return of the Jedi for the first time), the arcade, eventually Walden’s Book store which replaced the theater, Lamp Post (which was the middle of the mall dining area that had the best Crabcake sandwiches) and all the other food offerings they had. There was also a retired grandmother who worked there who I as a kid and teen would always talk too till she passed (I called her ‘gandmom’ - she wasn’t but this is what I called her). For this geek this was a home away from home for me. They also had community events in the mall and awesome car shows in the parking lot. I would remember walking across Ritchie Hwy to it, see what new games were at Toys R Us, goto Waldens to add to my DnD book collection (I had nearly all the early Dragonlance books and obsessively bought them), walk the mall checking out what was in the middle, then hang out at the arcade eventually getting pizza at Piece of the Pie (where I eventually worked and helped to manage). Late 80’s me and my friends at the time (all if us worked at the mall) would keep beer in the bottom part of the fridge at the Pizza place we worked and after closing the gate after hrs (like now, if you did not closeup in time,your store would be fined) we would just hang out, eat left over pizza (instead of tossing what wasn’t sold we would eat it - sometimes we would intentionally cook one slightly before closing). We would take the beer to the local hang out (not at mall, we had at least some judgement). One of those outings was the first time I got drunk. I would also goto the store there (don't remember the name -was said in video and was there before Dicks) to get comic books - didn't have a car and this was close. Also would goto Newscenter across the street by Giants (another strip mall which is technically gone). They actually had a dart tournament in the mall where I teamed up with my dad (a large number of my bonding moments with my dad was there and at Harondale Mall up the street [chess club was there - I sucked but it gave me a chance to hang with my dad]]. I know it sounds weird in 2018 (seems to me Malls now are designed to get what you need and get out) but this place was my home away from home. I will both miss it and remember all the good times I had there. Yeah, I am tearing up slightly while typing this. Like I said, from 12 (and before because my mom would take me here when she got her hair done) on up to 18 this was my home away from home and my escape from the world.

[@geribaldi2]

Also just so people understand, I know it weird to have an emotional connection to a place. But in context to my life..well, it makes least some sense.

[@sal]

I grow an emotional connection to every mall I visit and document. Your feelings are entirely valid and I sympathize with you. I’m glad I could document what I could here before it’s gone...

[@geribaldi2]

Sal I had planned to drive up this weekend when I found out that Toys R Us was done (take some pics while I thought it was still in tact). I have not been down that part of Glen Burnie for over a year so I did not know the mall was done.

[@sal]

I’ve heard conflicting reports of the mall actually being shuttered to the public or not. I was planning to head out there, myself to confirm...and to visit the toys r us once more.

[@TrainmasterCurt]

Geribaldi's Games Funny, Kildonan Place Mall was my Mall growing up, minus the loss of the Arcade I loved, the Mall is doing very well and is at 97% occupancy!

[@TerrificTara]

Hi from the future. I wanted to say that I admire & appreciate how you treat people. You have respect for everyone. I’ve only heard you say “homeless gentleman” and it’s been many times. That warms my heart. In videos at later times, you’ve helped when you can. You have bought gift cards so a gentleman could get some warm clothes! I just….wow.

[@sandimummumgigi7675]

Thanks for documenting.. Toys RUs, Chess King, Zales, "Monkey" Wards, the Cinema, great memories. Drive In and bowling alley across Ritchie Hwy, News Center, we had to actually read to get info..no internet.. Great memories

[@JamesMyers230]

It is great that you narrate and tell some history about the malls. Subscribed.

[@sal]

Hey thanks James! Much more content on the way!

[@atomicpuppet]

As a kid I remember the mall having a pretzel stand and a line of arcade machines back to back in the center of the mall. That white room with the water fountain you were in use to be Montgomery Wards interior entrance. Power Gamer opened in the mid 90s and was a mecca for anyone who was interested in gaming. They lasted until the mall shut down. I took many many trips there growing up. Across from power gamer was squabbles a card gaming shop. I worked at the radio shack inside of the mall and the best buy briefly.

[@sal]

Thanks for the background!!

[@BWItoATXF]

Nailed it.

[@liveandletlive807]

Power Gamer: the best video game store I've ever seen.

[@zombiedude8027]

@@liveandletlive807 Some stuff was good there, but there was one time I bought Slayer's next boxset, only to take it home and see that all the disc holders were busted. Only time they fucked up, but other than that they used to have a lot of cool stuff. Kind of a shame how little they had left before the end. I think they sell their stuff on ebay now, but it's not the same as actually going out to the store and looking.

[@davea4250]

Dead Malls are creepy as hell. Its creepier that even in a completely dead mall, that mall music is still playing. Then there is the foreboding emptiness and echo.

[@aimee2014]

Love love love the old commercials good times

[@jamesanastasia3237]

Remember my grandmother taking me to this mall back in the mid to late 70's!!!It was very active back than and it had all but changed when I moved back to Maryland for good in the mid 80's!!!smh..

[@deandanielson8074]

Thanks, Sal for all your documentation -- both video and background research.

[@chrishale828]

Of note....Part of the Montgomery Wards Still Remains across the parking lot....there has been a Mattress Discounters? In the showroom part of the Montgomery Wards Auto Center since shortly after it closed which of I recall was a bit after the store closed...the shop portion sat empty mostly until a SALVO Auto Parts Store occupied the shop space and it is now a 4 Wheel Parts

[@sal]

Hey Chris, I’ve done an update video for the Centre at Glen Burnie...much better than this one. Make sure to check it out.

[@wulfone5961]

There used to be a cookie store in there a long long time ago and it smelled so good. It was there in the early and mid 90's.

[@catcherontheryebread1788]

Wow grew up in Glen Bernie, back in my day there was a GC Murphys, Wards of course, Chess King etc. Spent many quarters playing asteroids in the arcade. Bought an Atari 2600 at Toys R Us. Memories. Moved in 1984. Thx for the tour.

[@itouchroses]

man, I used to work at Hecht's and Le Chateau nEONS ago! Loved this place. I'v e been in CA past 25 years... thanks for the trip down nostalgia lane.

[@jamesanastasia3237]

Everyone that I've ever known that has moved out west never come back!!!

[@genechas]

the trees look so vibrant and healthy such a shame.

[@sal]

I hope they keep the trees...

[@AngloAm]

The mall used to be called the Glen Burnie Mall. When I was a little one I could swear the anchor (at the north end) was a Korvette's and across Ritchie Highway was the Glen Burnie Drive In. I do remember it had so obviously been converted from an open center to a closed one. Used to love the Waldenbooks there and at Laurel Mall. Good Lord I feel old! :)

[@shaynewhite4545]

Out door malls suck

[@KH6DAN]

The anchor store at the Glen Burnie Mall was Montgomery Ward, in the middle, on the Ritchie Highway side. There was an A&P Food store at the South end, and later (early 70's) they built a Toys R us at the North End (The busiest day the GBM ever had was their grand opening. They had Lee Majors - The 6 million man TV series was very popular at that time - do an appearance). E.J. Korvette's was the anchor at an open shopping center that was not part of the Glen Burnie Mall (it was also before they extended Ordnance Road to Ritchie Highway) and you had to get on Ritchie Highway and drive North to get to the shopping center's parking lot. Further North on Ritchie Highway would get you to Motor Vehicles.

[@Idelia412]

Another mall I used to go to back in the 1980's while in the service. No longer live in the area and what a change.

[@wulfone5961]

My mom didn't spend much time in Marley Station though she did go there, I remember it. But this was the mall where I spent a lot of time as a kid back in the early, mid and late 90's.

[@jamesanastasia3237]

It will be gone soon too!!!It didn't stay hot long at all!!!Maybe 15years..Than when Arundel Mills came in it was over!!!👎👎👎

[@Idelia412]

This mall brings back memories. I saw the very first Star Trek movie that came out in the movie theater that was in this mall.

[@ECsponger2]

t e l e p a t h makes some absolutely fantastic music, one of my top favorites

[@aimee2014]

Sal you always do a excellent job and very knowledgeable.

[@sharichambers7333]

I wish Canadian malls had neon! I love neon and bright colors. Thank you for the awesome video!

[@auntemmyd1604]

I had a lot of fun times in that mall growing up but it slowly diminished over the years! Thats the Toys r us we would go to so my Mom could pay our lay a way bill lmao!

[@JohnCassity]

Great video, a Debartolo mall! That guy sure got around, he was from my hometown, but had malls everywhere! Exlog 6✅

[@unclegoose3864]

I used to go to a store in there called "power gamer" i miss it dearly. I am old enough to remember when that whole mall had life.

[@jetlaw_1]

Awesome job as always, Sal.

[@sal]

Thanks Josh :) next episode should be out this weekend!

[@liveandletlive807]

I used to go to the Toys R Us with my grandparents when I was a kid. Good memories, good, sweet memories.

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Big Like, have watched numerous videos of yours, really enjoy knowledge of its tenants, makes the Video more fascinating, keep up the good work!

[@BWItoATXF]

Fond memories of this mall. The entire Glen Burnie area is a shell of what it used to be. Including Marley Station down Ritchie Hwy. And Harundale (sp?) Mall as well. My grandma bought me my first scooter at Montgomery Wards (then wards) during their liquidation sale in the early 2000s. It was a knockoff because Razors were too expensive for us back in the day :) Endless Dreamcast was played in Best Buy, and Power Gamer was THE mecca for gaming in the area for years. Would always go there and be in amazement at the selection, and the Japanese market exclusive gaming they had. Not to mention Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. I saw my first Exodia there lol. They also had a location in the now demolished Owings Mills Mall. The only surviving one is at Reisterstown Plaza (I think is still open). In addition, Radio Shack was there well through the 2000s. I remember seeing the LG flip phones there with the RC cars I always begged my mom for. During the holidays, they had a train set that ran that I enjoyed as a kid. As you can see, there is much sentimental value to me with this mall. Thanks for visiting there, I have subscribed.

[@sal]

Man, so much awesome historical information here. Thank you so much. I wish Harundale and even Golden Ring mall were still around. I would’ve loved to see them...

[@sal]

And btw, I do have a video on Marley Ststion, but I’m going to do a follow up walk through in about a year or so. I love that mall.

[@BWItoATXF]

Not a problem! I forgot all about golden ring! I went there, but was very young, and don't have any vivid memories. When I went in Harundale, the main corridor was essentially closed. There was a KB toys there but the entire mall was dark. I am sure that was towards the end of the mall's operation. Not to mention the now converted Chatnam Mall (Ellicott City) and Westview Mall (in Catonsville). Wish there was any content on those. Mall of MD are pretty tragic.

[@BWItoATXF]

And yes, went there in December, and it was a very eerie feeling. Not to mention cold being there were limited tenants. I would have watched all the videos if I wasn't so tired last night haha. picking up now!

[@sal]

This mall has been demolished, right? I’m seeing conflicting reports.

[@gaspardnuit3348]

Loved the music. Awesome video.

[@bahrakus]

I love how you add the old commercials and sounds in your videos. I’m not sure if this would look good or not but Is there a way to add a filter to make some of your videos have that VHS quality look to them? Keep up the great work and thank you for doing videos like this.

[@nancydarling4918]

Interesting video. Liked the comentary. Thanks.

[@SurfCityBill]

I don't understand why mall mgmt decides to keep these places functioning with a couple tenants. Overhead costs of electricity, HVAC, etc surely outweighs rental income. Also Neenah Foundry that makes those tree grates is still in business and doing well.

[@misszee007]

I teared up at the toys r us commercial that one was from my generation I sang it verbatim

[@jamesanastasia3237]

Yeah me too!!!😥😥😥would get excited just walking through the store as a kid!!!😁

[@Dlnqntt]

Growing up we used to call this the Glen Burnie Hallway.

[@SamhainBe]

I really miss the heyday of the small local malls.

[@Daveosbeatz]

That was my mall as a kid.. footlocker Finish line Dicks Radio shack Montgomery wards Foot action Toys r us Walden books This place was a packed little mall and clean and quiet..sad it’s gone just like most of everything else..controlling bye the big guys ..soon will have 1 of everything and be doing everything from home

[@achong007]

The black Ceiling is what done the mall in for me. I could not stand that black ceiling. At one time, it was white and the lighting was kind of like the one in Marley. Now it just no for me.

[@dave3897]

This mall used to the have the best pizza, power gamer and borders.

[@ratburn]

Wasn't the last bookstore in this mall a Waldenbooks and not a Borders? It was in the spot where Famous Footwear is now.

[@ninavongunten122]

Over the years - the economy, the high-cost of retail leasing space, shopping trends, internet sales, neighborhood changes, theft and other crimes have a lot to due with the failure of many of these malls. Some of these problems were a result of overall poorly-run mall management. It might be a suitable place to relocate some of the State Office buildings and provide the much needed employment in the area instead of another one of Len Stoler's, etc. car sales parks.

[@wulfone5961]

Those threes have been there since I was kid and the red tile.

[@verdatum]

Glen Burnie Mall: The mall that isn't Marley Station Mall. And now even Marley Station is dying, which is weird to me.

[@IxAMxABU]

Always thinking in my head when I see this little foot traffic, Bring your sleeping bag and pillow and sleep in that center Kiosk area. No one would be the wiser.

[@loganhanssen6004]

I wished that you could have taken a peek at the video game side of Power Gamer instead of the trading cards part of the store. I would love to see what it looked like empty.

[@norriszappa25]

The mall is still intact as of 2 weeks ago. They probably will demolish it soon now that toys r us is closing all their stores

[@sal]

I’ll need to pay it one last visit!

[@meggiem4810]

The inside of the mall is completely blocked off as of a week ago

[@sal]

Yep, I was literally just over there doing a bit of filming last weekend. You can still walk into the toys r us through the mall though, right?

[@meggiem4810]

Yes but only the one door

[@bigjaquatics]

norriszappa25 omg your a damn pro at this I guess you watch and voice over so at certain parts it matches so cool I'm good but your awesome wow

[@TrueRetroflection]

The whole Toys-R-Us "I don't want to grow up" tagline is kind of dark, when you really get down to it

[@markstrouse3101]

Why would any store like GNC pay full rent in a mall that only has 2 stores left???

[@gmcnewlook]

Probably cheap rent or a long term lease they can’t get out of....

[@mdriverfinds9942]

Mark Strouse They were waiting to move into the outdoor shopping area

[@revertinotse8582]

Wait. Was that Actor Jaleel White in 1.34 of Video? He was on the Show Family Matters in the Early or Mid 90.s?

[@themadhatter1184]

Why does it seem like all the debartolo malls are either demolished or dead

[@TheOldMPClub]

I think it was the end of the year I went in there not knowing they shut out everything else and the mall entrance was only for the Toys R US. I turned the corner and it was just barren and empty.

[@ericfresh]

Ok someone help me out in the toys r us commercial what is that pogo toy the well dressed kid is playing with?

[@JamminJim19]

RIP Powergamer

[@marvelkingdom1972]

Should visit garfield heights in OH :)

[@Sarahlynn1304]

Are there any successful debartolo properties left?

[@dirtypaws6328]

What is the telepath track you dubbed in the background. Loving the series and narrative 😽

[@dirtypaws6328]

@UC90x9vhKeawq6mMo5tM7BUQ that's ok. Sal doesn't have to. The rate at which these places..artworks..are being razed is STAGGERING. it's ok to push forward as quick as possible. I thank you very much for your insight it's in my library but finding it is a project. Thnx again ☯️⚡

[@gtavstepfordcounty1733]

There's now nothing left of this malls interior its all gone its just the front and rear entrance that leads to the ollies that took over the toys r us store

[@unclegoose3864]

I went into that ollies and i have never felt so much dread in my life. I couldn't stand being in there for more than 5 minutes. Worst feeling.

[@shinatsuki8957]

What was the opening music?

[@brutalictesku]

Any update on this mall?

[@sal]

Yes, it’s demolished. I’ll be producing a final piece on it eventually.

[@brutalictesku]

@@sal Thanks for the answer! I'll wait.

[@jamesanastasia3237]

It's a strip mall now!!!🤨

[@eugeneketaminekrebs3403]

They are planning to make it into a movie theatre, I know that, I forgot what else. I think a gym as well if I’m not mistaken.

[@CharlesStPaul]

Who else noticed Urkel at the end of the Toys R Us commercial?

[@NathanDavisVideos]

Since you said this mall first opened in late 1963... Was it by chance this mall originally opened-up as an outdoor mall?

[@sal]

It was indeed dedicated as an enclosed mall...but it will soon be repurposed as an outdoor center. :(

[@SurferJoe71]

A driving school in a Mall ??? GNC seems last in every mall but there items are cheaper online go figure?!?!

[@JoseGarcia-tf8ft]

I went there and toy r us when I was 4

[@forsomenotreally]

have you gone back to this mall?

[@keithholley546]

back in the early 80's my friend and I locked are bmx bikes to one of those trees and the way security acted as if we shot someone and almost did not give our bikes back said the trees were new and we were killing them. in fact it was the last tree in the video.

[@anthonyellis987]

Is demalled a real word? Is it possible to be malled to death?The music in the mall is, sorry, was awful and the inside needed to be improved. Is it still like this or has it been demolished now and if it is what does the site look like now?

[@sal]

De-malled is most certainly a word, and this is what is happening to many enclosed malls today.

[@anthonyellis987]

Sadly this is happening all the world. The shopping centre I used to go to when I was young failed and was demolished years ago. The interior became faded and old-fashioned and newly updated town centre took business away from it. I'm enjoying these videos.

[@sal]

It’s incredibly sad. I just hope to be able to document as many as possible before they disappear.

[@anthonyellis987]

Its good to film these places for prosperity. Has this mall been demolished now?

[@sal]

The toys r us inside is closing this week and the mall concourse has been walled off for a while now. I suspect the “de-malling” will be occurring sometime in the next few months.

[@henryeberhardt3012]

SHAME UPON THOSE WHO DIDN'T FIGHT BACK AGAINST A SYSTEM ABOUT DESTROYING PRIVATE BUSINESSES

[@Rogue849]

That turtle looks lonely.

[@THEGAMER-sz9lg]

Let's Salute Toy's R Us

[@jamesanastasia3237]

No doubt!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@eileeneclark9011]

5/13/18....LOG 6---Centre @ Glen Burnie, MD. "Convenient" fire in 1981? Sounds suspicious to me. And homeless man in your video---who is supposedly "hurt" & looking for mall "office" or "security" so must think "somebody" will pay for his "being hurt on the premises"? That's a hoot!!! Surprised many of your videos show clean/not trashed malls & big healthy plants....so somebody MUST be watering/caring for those trees. ALL THIS WASTED BEAUTIFUL. & PEACEFUL SPACE makes me so sad. SOMEBODY MUST BE PAYING PROPERTY TAXES + SECURITY + INSURANCE ON THESE MALLS? It's a real surprise thst these buildings are in as giid a shape as they are....esp this one from 1963!

[@TheOldMPClub]

In this case this mall was most definitely hurt by what was built around it. At this time you can walk less then 20 minutes to a Walmart, Target, Giant, Best Buy, Lowels. Any higher price outlets would probably easily be passed over. It would have been a good spot to build up specialty shops to be supported by the locals and people a bit further up or down the highway. But that's not how it went.

[@dallas79dm1]

Toy R Us just closed this past Friday so the future of the mall is doomed.

[@Daveosbeatz]

I miss toys r us.,there taking everything away and it’s being proven now..

[@sh33ph8rsghost7]

rip toys r us

[@jamesanastasia3237]

Yes indeed!!!🙏🙏🙏😥

[@henryeberhardt3012]

What A WASTE = SHAME UPON ALL INVOLVED

[@jayshilson]

Neenah,wi foundry

[@nacocobra5735]

We are 138

[@KeithAinsley]

Are you sure that mall music didn’t do the place in? Man that’s some awful music.

[@michaelbracken5049]

I like weenies

[@nadiae174]

Your volume is low on your video

[@sal]

This video is old...see the log number. I’ve made many changes and enhancements to the series in recent work. Please see my latest before passing judgement. Thanks for watching!!

[@JeffKirkley]

Good video, but the background music is very tinny and annoying. Wasn't sure if it was the mall speaker system or from your editing.

[@TrainmasterCurt]

Jeff Kirkley It’s called Vapourwave

[@sKid-ez7zn]

Speak up. Can't hear you

[@sal]

Old video. I’m on episode 50 now. Sorry about that.