Historic Journey of pa
Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, dead malls, and bustling cities. But hidden among its modern malls and busy highways are abandoned places that have been forgotten by time.
These ghostly structures serve as eerie reminders of a bygone era, with crumbling walls and fading signs whispering tales of the past. Among these, the abandoned dead malls in Pennsylvania offer a particularly fascinating glimpse into the state’s past.
Once bustling centers of commerce and social interaction, these malls now stand silent and decaying, yet strangely compelling in their desolation. There is a haunting beauty in these forgotten places, a poignant reminder of the impermanence of our human endeavors.
Come with us as we explore these Eight abandoned malls in PA, each with its own unique story, and delve into the abandonment laws that have played a part in their current state.
Prepare to immerse yourself in a journey through hauntingly beautiful landscapes, where echoes of laughter and chatter are replaced with an eeriness that hangs as heavy as the PA fog.
The Rise and Fall of Abandoned Malls in PA
The heyday of shopping malls in America was during the 1960s to 1990s, with nearly 1,500 of them being built across the country. Pennsylvania was no exception, with numerous malls popping up all over the state as a symbol of economic prosperity and modernization.
These malls were not just places to shop, but also social hubs that brought communities together. They offered a range of activities such as movie theaters, arcades, and food courts, making them popular destinations for families and teenagers alike.
However, with the rise of online shopping and changing consumer behaviors, malls began to decline in the late 1990s before the 21st century.
Today, many of these once-thriving malls have been abandoned, leaving behind a trail of memories and unanswered questions. What caused their downfall? And what is the current state of these abandoned malls in PA?
The Haunting Beauty of Abandoned Places
As we journey through these seven abandoned malls in PA, it’s impossible not to be struck by their haunting beauty. Each mall has its unique features and stories, but all share a sense of abandonment that is both eerie and captivating.
1. Century III Mall, West Mifflin
Century III Mall, once the third-largest shopping mall in the world, is now a deserted structure that stands as a ghostly reminder of its glorious past. Opened in 1979 with over 200 stores, it was a hub of retail activity.
Today, the mall’s corridors echo with silence, its stores shuttered and empty.
2. Rolling Acres Mall, Akron
Rolling Acres, with its iconic centerpiece – a beautiful indoor fountain, was once the pride of Akron. Its decline began in the 90s with a series of unfortunate events and store closures. It was abandoned in 2008.
Today, it stands as a haunting symbol of urban decay.
3. Charlestowne Mall, St. Charles
Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles opened in 1991, was once a bustling shopping destination. However, it could not withstand competition from other shopping centers and online shopping, leading to its closure in 2010. Its empty spaces and silence are a stark contrast to its erstwhile vibrancy. An open-air shopping center is what is left of the mall now.
4. Cloverleaf Mall, Chesterfield
Cloverleaf Mall, opened in 1972, was a bustling one retail spaces for the Chesterfield County community. Anchor tenants started to close one by one in the early 2000s, leading to its closure in 2008. Its empty parking lot and deserted stores now stand testament to its former glory.
Its decline began in the 90s and it was eventually abandoned in 2006. Its eerie silence and boarded-up stores are a stark reminder of a bygone era.
5. Granite Run Mall, Media
Granite Run Mall, opened in 1974, was a staple of the Media community. CBS News once referred to it as, “the kind of shopping mall that was the epitome of the American dream“.
Despite several attempts at revitalization, it was unable to compete with nearby shopping centers and online retailers, leading to its closure in 2015.
Today, it lies abandoned, its facades weathered by time.
6. North Towne Square, Toledo
North Towne Square in Toledo, opened in 1980, was a major retail hub in the region. A decline in foot traffic and an increase in crime led to its abandonment in 2005.
Today, it lies empty and silent, its once-busy corridors echoing with the past.
7. Richland Mall, Mansfield
Richland Mall in Mansfield opened in 1969, was a popular shopping destination for locals. Declining traffic and store closures resulted in its abandonment in 2006.
Today, its deserted corridors and empty stores are haunting reminders of its past glory.
8. Mall of America in Harrisburg, PA
This was once one of the largest malls in Pennsylvania and boasted an impressive selection of high-end stores. It closed in 2017 and is now a shell of its former self, with empty corridors leading to nothing more than disused storefronts.
Abandonment Laws in Pennsylvania
The state of Pennsylvania has a rich history, with many abandoned towns and buildings scattered throughout its landscape. However, the laws surrounding abandonment are not as well-known.
Here are some key things to know about abandonment laws in Pennsylvania
Legal Consequences of Abandonment
In Pennsylvania, when a property is abandoned, it may be reclaimed by the state under the doctrine of “escheat.” This means that if the owner cannot be located or if the owner dies without heirs, the property becomes state property. Abandoned properties also can be sold at a tax sale if the owner fails to pay the property taxes.
Accessing Abandoned Properties
While exploring abandoned properties might seem exciting, trespassing laws in Pennsylvania prohibit entering a property without the owner’s permission, even if it appears to be abandoned. Violating these laws can result in criminal charges.
Preservation of Historic Structures
Pennsylvania also has laws in place to safeguard its historical and architectural heritage. Abandoned properties with historical significance are protected under the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Act. Unauthorized alteration or destruction of these structures can lead to legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
Squatter's Rights in Pennsylvania
Interestingly, Pennsylvania law also recognizes squatter’s rights officially known as “adverse possession.” If a person occupies an abandoned property openly, continuously, and without the lawful owner’s objection for 21 years, they may gain legal title to that property.
However, this is a complex process that necessitates fulfilling very specific conditions and often requires legal assistance to navigate.
How to claim abandoned property in Pennsylvania?
If you believe that an abandoned property in Pennsylvania belongs to you, there are steps you can take to claim it.
First, you need to find out who owns the property by checking with the county tax assessor’s office. If the owner cannot be located or has passed away without heirs, then the state may have taken possession of the property.
In this case, you can contact the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to request that the property be put up for sale. If you can prove your rightful ownership, you may be able to purchase it at a reduced price through the state’s Land Bank program.
However, if someone else has claimed adverse possession of the property, you will need to take legal action to prove your rightful ownership and reclaim the property.
Conclusion:
The abandoned malls in Pennsylvania, once bustling centers of commerce, now stand as quiet, haunting monuments to a different time. These relics, scattered across the state, offer a glimpse into the changing trends of consumer behavior and the harsh reality of retail obsolescence.
However, fascination with these spaces should be tempered by a clear understanding of Pennsylvania’s abandonment laws, which protect these properties and their owners.
Whether seen as symbols of economic shift or haunted echoes of the past, these abandoned malls hold a starkly compelling place in Pennsylvania’s landscape.