Former Biggest Shopping Mall in America to Close For Good This Weekend in Portland, OR
When it opened in 1960, it was certified as the biggest mall in America, now this weekend, it's closing for good.
Legendary Lloyd Center in Portland Shutting Down for Good
At its peak, the three-story tall structure held just over 100 businesses, anchored by national retailers such as Sears, Nordstroms and Macys. But over the years as we've seen around the nation, the concept of the sprawling multi-store shopping mall began to fade, much of it due to online retail.
Also hurting Lloyd Center was the growing downtown Portland crime rate. Over the decades the anchor stores left, followed by dozens of others. Now, according to Portland business reports, there's may be 40 stores left, a number of them smaller mom and pop or regional outfits.
The Doors Will Close after Saturday August 8th
Axois Portland reports there will be some special activities planned to mark its closing, including the final Food Court 5000 event. For decades, hundreds of Portlanders have mall walked around the facility, and a group of die-hards who do this at Lloyd and other malls will gather Saturday one final time.
Now What?
The final day is not a 'going out of business sale," as reported by Axois. While the existing vendors have until August 31st to clear out all their inventory and property, the mall fixtures, racks, and other 'decor' will remain intact. The 29.3 acres site, including the parking garage, is going to be remodeled and reimaged as a facility with over 5,000 apartments and a possible corporate campus.
What Else is Coming to the Site?
It also calls for traffic revisions to reconnect some streets, and a large walking area for pedestrians. It's closure will also bring to an end a long-time traditional activity of people being allowed to skate on its small ice rink, which has been maintained for decades.
40 stores still sounds like a lot, but business reports indicate in a mall that size, it appears as nearly vacant shell of its former self.
The doors will close for good at 7 PM Saturday August 8th.
LOOK: 50 Famous brands that no longer exist
Gallery Credit: Liz Barrett Foster