Abandoned Mall

Not entirely abandoned. A few stores remain in a discrete section of Randall Park Mall, most of which, however, is closed and inaccessible. A recent stroll through the open portion was a bit dispiriting. Idle store employees seem to outnumber customers in the echoing expanse.

The site was once home to Randall Park Racetrack, a massive frame structure painted white, across the street from the other track, Thistledown, which still runs thoroughbreds in the summer. The mall opened to exuberant fanfare in 1976. Shoppers were thrilled by the size of the complex and the variety of stores, which included the first area Horne's department store. A large hotel was built adjacent to the mall. It too is now abandoned, many of its windows broken out, curtains flapping into the open air.

Rapid-Omega 200, 58mm lens.

UPDATE:

The mayor of North Randall has informed mall tenants that the shopping center will close on June 12, 2008.