Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Seattle is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.
Let’s go to the mall
Northgate Mall was once in its heyday.
America’s first-ever shopping center to be deemed a “mall,” Northgate opened in 1950 with The Bon Marché — which later went on to become Macy’s — as an anchor store. Before being remodeled + adding a food court, the mall housed an A&P grocery store that later became a QFC. Locals may remember stores like Toys “R” Us and Lamonts, or The Northgate Theater that was demolished in 2005.
Though the mall remained popular for many years, plans were in place for redevelopment by the mid-to-late 2000s and many tenants had departed.
Back to the future
Today the mall is still around, but not as it once was. Construction continues on the building now known as Northgate Station, but Seattleites can still shop while updates continue.
Though Northgate Mall has transformed, Seattle also has a number of other thriving shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:
- Pacific Place | This downtown shopping center has a focus on supporting small biz, but you can also catch a movie at the AMC Theatre or chow down on some Pike Place Chowder.
- U Village | This big outdoor shopping area has a plethora of popular clothing brands like Madewell and J. Crew, but it also plays host to several rare shops like Bogey Boys and Bloomie’s.
- Bellevue Square | There’s plenty of shopping to be done at this Eastside plaza, but the real treat is all the good food. Find tasty bites at spots like Milk Bar, Lady M, and an extra fancy Din Tai Fung.
Do you have memories of a local mall from back in the day? Share them with us and we may feature your story in a future newsletter: First date at the food court, trying on prom dresses at the department store, hitting up Orange Julius before picking up the perfect graphic tee at Hot Topic — we wanna hear it all.
