Coming Soon Near You: Indoor Mall..... or not

        I was very interested in Koolhaas's reading entitled "Junkspace". It really got me thinking specifically about indoor malls and how they are slowly becoming a thing of the past. I can't think of a time when I've ever reading about a new proposed indoor mall. While a handful of indoor malls remain successful, most are withering away and slowly dying. Growing up in GA, I am about an hour from the Mall of GA. This mall is still very much so alive. The mall has 5 anchor stores, 184 smaller stores, and a movie theater on the third level. I think what makes this mall successful is the area. The mall is situated in a well to do area and is surrounded by high end restaurants, other shopping options, a new Andretti's, and a new Top Golf. On the other hand, I live about 15 minutes from another mall called Southlake Mall. Southlake Mall used to be THE PLACE to go. It was where everyone did their Christmas shopping, every kid had ridden the carousel in the food court, and everyone hung out there on Friday nights. Many things led to the downfall of Southlake Mall, but I would have to say that area played a key role again. Southlake is located in Clayton County which now has one of the highest crime rates in Georgia. No one feels safe at the mall anymore and it is seen on the news on a weekly basis. Slowly the mall started to lose anchor stores and lose money. Southlake now has zero anchor stores, a half empty food court, a dusty carousel that does not run anymore, and a half lit interior space and exterior parking lot. Southlake Mall today is the definition of junk space. What's next? Will is be revitalized (attempted multiple time)? Will the area be developed for something else? Or, will it simply become an eyesore and decay away? Only time will tell.

Southlake Mall Lot

Mall of Georgia Food Court