07.04.2024

Today’s Forecast

97º | 17% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:31 a.m. | Sunset 8:58 p.m.

Blast from the past

Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped

The inside of an old mall with lots of empty space. Two benches and a table with chairs sit empty, surrounded by a few plants. A closed storefront can be seen in the background, and two groups of people are walking around.

Eastgate Mall circa 2007. | Photo by Jason Trew Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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 1970s, 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.

Asked

Do you have memories of a local mall from back in the day?

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.

Take us back

Events

Thursday, July 4

Chattanooga Lookouts Independence Day Fireworks | Thursday, July 4 | 7:15 p.m. | AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga | $6-$8 | Join the Chattanooga Lookouts for a post-game fireworks show.

Friday, July 5

Wild Wonders: A Close Encounter with Native Animals | Friday, July 5 - Saturday, July 6 | Times Vary | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | Donation | Tour the Native Animal Area to get a peek into the lives of East Tennessee animals’ habits + habitats.

Saturday, July 6

Skate Station Grand Opening | Saturday, July 6 | 5-10 p.m. | The Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St., Chattanooga | $12 | Rent a pair of skates or bring your own to this pop-up roller rink with a DJ set from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, July 7

Summer Yoga in the Park | Sunday, July 7 | 9-10 a.m. | Renaissance Park, 100 River St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Relax, stretch, and soak up the sun in a guided flow with YogaNooga — bring your own mat.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Today Is

Independence Day. America has been celebrating this day for 248 years since the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776. Round up the kids, friends, or just yourself and head to these events.

Civic

The city’s landfill, Wood Recycling Center, Refuse and Recycle Collection Centers + Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed today, July 4 in observance of the Fourth of July. All locations will reopen tomorrow, July 5 for regular business hours.

Outdoors

Lula Lake Land Trust now has three backcountry campsites available for reservation at the Durham Mine Trails, the Moonshine Trails, and along the CCT off of Nickajack Road. The remote sites, which take around two miles to reach by foot or bike, cost $5 to reserve.

Learn

Cue that one Bee Gees song — the Signal Mountain Fire Department is offering a free CPR class on Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Those who pass the training test will be able to purchase a CPR card for $23, which will come in handy for lifeguards + babysitters. (Local 3)

Correction

In yesterday’s newsletter, we shared a public invitation to the Chattanooga Lookouts stadium groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 15. We mistakenly wrote the ceremony would start at 10 a.m., it actually will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Chestnut Street Trailhead.

The Buy

The Buy 7.04.24 (Affiliate)

Reusable grocery cooler bags. If you’ve been rocking the same tired grocery bags for a while now (guilty), investing in some sturdy, insulated bags makes transporting groceries comfortable and more convenient.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Katie

From the editor

Hello from Louisville, Chattanoogans. I’m filling in this week for Haley.

I must admit, with vulnerability, I’ve never been to NOOGA, so I looked into it. Here’s a breakdown of the travel from Derby City to the Scenic City.

Car: 5 hours, 2 minutes | ~$56-$81
Plane: 6 hours | ~$139-$444
Bus: 7 hours, 42 minutes | ~$82-$102

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