MALLS ARE MY FIRST LOVE | Episode 1--An Honorable Discharge

This is the first episode of "Malls Are My First Love," a new series that I'll cover malls, dying or thriving.
I am from the Hampton Roads area and Military Circle was the second oldest mall in the area. Opened in 1970, the mall has been popular off and on. The center for most of its history had 4 anchors and a hotel (which is one of the first malls in the nation to do so).
The Military Circle I grew up was from the late 1990's on, which had a big renovation, which still looks decent up until the mall's closure. The mall's anchors were Sears, JCPenney, Hecht's (was my VERY first Macy's visited ever after the 2006 merger), & Cinemark 18, which was one of my favorite movie theaters I've ever went to. Plus from 2002-2014, the mall was known as "The Gallery at Military Circle" when it was owned by Thor Equities. Previous owners were Harvey Lindsay, Rouse, Urban Development, Woodmont, Pacific Retail and the City of Norfolk.
The mall has been on a decline as early as 2001 and the mall was dying a slow death due to competition, crime and changes in retail climate. The mall's nearest competition, Norfolk Premium Outlets opened in 2017 which was originally planned to be at the site of Military Circle. MacArthur Center opened to the west in Downtown Norfolk in 1999 but sadly it too is dying away.
The mall officially closed on January 31, 2023 with demolition later this year and redevelopment commencing thereafter. There are plans to make the area an urban area with an arena and light rail transit connecting to the existing Tide line from Newtown Road. If you noticed I rode Hampton Roads Transit to the mall, which I did ever since I started riding their buses in 2008.
This place gave me so much memories ever since I was young and even though I am sad the mall is done for, 53 years for a mall to operate is a good haul. Salute away Military Circle.
MUSIC:
Intro: Sweet Smoothie--Hidden
During: Po Town--Pokemon Sun & Moon
Closing: Vintage Light--Hidden

[@vickieharris9834]

Great video R.I.P Military Circle Mall😪

[@lhenderson4819]

This is a great video but sad moments. Glad you’re doing this! Keep ‘‘em coming!

[@DyingRetail]

Good video!!!