Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Chattanooga 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
Eastgate Mall — now Eastgate Town Center — was once in its heydey.
After opening in the 1960s, Eastgate held the title of Tennessee’s largest shopping mall for a while. In the early ‘70s, it withstood a fire and renovations — which enclosed the originally open-air center — but continued to flourish. During its popularity, shoppers could head to Eastgate Mall for department stores like Loveman’s or Sears, car and hobby shows, a theater, and even a duck pond.
Back to the future
Today, Eastgate is a bit quieter. The center is now a mixed retail/office space with a name change and goal to become a popular community center once more.
Plus, Chattanooga still has a number of other shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:
- Warehouse Row | This downtown shopping center is popular for its convenient location + upscale stores and boutiques. Pro tip: Grab a bowl of ramen at Two Ten Jack after shopping.
- 2 North Shore | This NorthShore plaza offers a variety of boutiques, eateries, and lifestyle shops. You can shop, take a yoga class, get a massage, and enjoy a meal at Big Bad Breakfast all within its compound.
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.
