Can America's Biggest Mall Be Saved?

Can Minnesota's massive Mall of America, now a dinosaur, be saved from the 'Wal-Marting' of America?

1 minute read

October 6, 2003, 11:00 AM PDT

"Big malls need the browsers to survive, and so developers are experimenting with a new design format called 'lifestyle centers' -- generally with open-air pathways, even apartment complexes, which are somehow supposed to create the long-lost pedestrian experience of 'downtown,' itself a mythical concept to many suburban 18-year-olds.Malls are said to have turned downtowns into ghost towns, but now malls are resurrecting the spirit of "downtown" to survive the Wal-Marting of America. When the new downtowns arrive, with or without seven vintages of cheddar cheese, it will be worth at least a one-way segment drive to have a look."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

Read the full story: Shop Till You Drop

Friday, October 3, 2003 in Wall St. Journal

Housing Minnesota

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

Start Learning

Advertise with us

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.