This is a sad one to watch. We all knew it would happen but it’s still sad. I grew up in this mall. Worked in this mall. Chilled in this mall. It was “Our Mall” those of us that couldn’t afford Montgomery of course and back then only went to Frederick for the Under 21 club. Love it. But it’s time for it to finally go instead of sulking around for longer.
I grew up in Gaithersburg, so this was OUR mall. It went through a zillion changes from the time I was 4 years old to my late 20s. The food court used to be a movie theater when I was a little kid. There used to be a ton of restaurants; at different times, an A&W restaurant, a Chi-Chi's, a Red Robin, and a Ruby Tuesday. When I was a kid, it had a Disney store, a KB Toys, FYE, Suncoast, a Children's Place, and a Cartoon Cuts. When I got older, there was still Game Stop, Hot Topic, and Bath & Body Works (I even used to WORK there). God, it's hard to believe it's essentially gone now.
It was almost a kid play section in the middle back in the early 90s, me and my sister would along with others, memories of lots of diffrent fountains and coins almost like a wishing well too, Mrs Fields cookies before leaving 2nd floor right before escalator oh the memories been there 30+ times as a kid with mom you can see the outline still of where things where by the elevator and that area had like almost stadium like seating facing the elevator
It was great in the 90’s. Then gang activity moved into that area and took over the mall. I’ve had multiple friends who’s cars were stolen in broad daylight back in like 2010
Yeah I left Montgomery County in 2003 and I've been in New York sense so I'm kind of drop jawl to see the Mall I'm pretty sure when I swing over to Frederick County to visit my mom's side of the family Frederick County mall is gone I grew up in Frederick and Montgomery County between my mother and father side so I'm so used to going to these malls as a child late 80s early 90s I see a lot has changed I maybe need to come back home for a visit this is kind of sad it's like childhood memories gone
This mall was my childhood I believe at 4:58 was where macy's was, My mom used to love going there all the time I remember I would beg my parents to but Aunt annies pretzels I moved out of Gaithersburg in 2018 and somewhere around 2020 we went back to this mall and found out about the news
I spent so many hours inside that mall prior to the pandemic. I'm so sorry to see it in this state! It was my home away from my apartment in Germantown!
I feel like the “crime level” and “gang activity” is overblown to why this mall lost its foot crowd. Most of the money started flowing into areas like Washingtonian Boulevards Rio entertainment center and the newer Crown Plaza, which is around the time Lakeforest started failing. I grew up in Montgomery village, but my moms business and my schools growing up were in Gaithersburg, so I’m not blind nor saying there was no crime, but it wasn’t as prevalent as ppl are making it out to be in the comments.
As someone who currently lives in the Crown area, I totally agree. Rio/Washingtonian seems to be doing fairly well considering the pandemic (minus the AMC), but then again it's a more modern open-air layout rather than a mall.
So far this year, violent gang-related crime in Montgomery County has increased by 72 percent overall when compared to the same six-month reporting period last year, police officials reportedMonday. From January through June, police reported a 36 percent increase in gang-related robberies, a 43 percent increase in gang-related assaults and an overall increase in gang-related weapons offense charges.
Wow finally got to see my old hometown mall on here thank you so much for doing this. I got into dead malls about 6 years ago when I had to do it for a speech class. The first mall I did was the Frederick Towne Mall. So crazy to see these Mecca’s no longer inhabited by kids and families. I went to this mall about a year ago and took some photos and videos and was amazed by the state it was in. Where the video begins to the left (his right) used to be Chi-Chi’s and I was able to get some photos and video of what it looks like inside now. That restaurant has been gone from that area for at least 25+ years and it hasn’t been touched.
I lived a whole life in this mall. Kills me to see it like this, but at least we have the memories. Surprised they didn't put out the Christmas stuff. Anyone remember Teddy the Talking Bear?
I used to practically live at this mall as a kid of the 80’s and 90’s. My mother was on the Gaithersburg planning commission back in the 70’s and witnessed it from concept to completion, and unfortunately she will have to see it’s destruction... Lakeforest Mall was a very special place. I vividly remember the excitement of going into Kay Bee Toy store on the upper level, to the left of Sears. And of course, buying all of my video games at Babbage’s on the upper floor of the J.C. Penney wing. I remember seeing Batman at the movie theater here on opening night in the summer of 1989. I think it was one of the only movies to sell out at this theater, to my knowledge, but this was before Rio was even built. I spent so many quarters at Champions arcade next to the movie theater in the 90’s. So many memories, but unfortunately so few photographs or other documents pre-2000 about the mall, except for photos of the mall’s construction and the opening ceremony. I wish someone had video footage and photographs from the early era.
The local news stations might have some footage (grand opening, holiday crunches, etc.), but they're probably not easily accessible. I bought the famous John Riggins Super Bowl XVII photograph at The Proper Framework while working at Hecht's - it still hangs in my office today.
I grew up in Frederick and remember coming here once and every 2-3 months as a kid. I used to love this place. It's sad to see it become the relic it has.
oh my god!!!!!!!!!! the KB Toys!!!!!! that was still there in the late 90s/early-mid 00s when i was a kid!!!!! then i moved away out-of-state and that was the last i ever saw of it. was gone by the next time i was able to visit
This was my mall growing up. It's crazy seeing how empty it is now. Even the arcade moved out it's Time Crisis cabinet. And the Grill Kabab is closed! That place had great gyros, too sad.
Sad to see but times change. In the mid 80's I worked at Sunshine House Surf Shop for 3 years. Early 90's I worked at Natural Wonders. After that mall security. I know every back hallway, electrical room, corridor, and roof ladder. So many memories at this mall...movies watched, ice skating, Vittorios pizza, Mrs Fields cookies, Vie de France, Ruby Tuesdays, Spinnakers, browsing records at Sam Goody, skating in the back halls to the loading dock, standing in line overnight to get concert tickets at Hechts, watching the Gaithersburg fireworks on the mall roof, and a million more. I'll always have great memories in this mall.
Time goes by, and memories are all we have at the end. I am Brazilian, born and raised. We have malls (that we call shopping) and they look exactly the same when compared with US malls. So I feel this nostalgia and sadness.
I grew up there. We went every Saturday to ice skate. I have great childhood memories skating and watching compositions there Moved away in 1980. Sad to hear its decline.
Great video! Glad to see others doing vids on Lakeforest. When I did my research for my vid, I saw some only bits and pieces on Lake Walker's sacrifice, no mention of the bumper stickers and petitions in any of the local history books. Always glad to see more and more history being added to this topic.
@@AcesAdventures1 I did k what it is, but this time of year, and your love of the nostalgia mall life, it reminds me and all those that remember those good times that kids will never understand how that period in time shaped where we are now. Thanks for reminding those of us who who were young and naive enough to think s dream was possible, just a quarter at a time away from hope,the future, one we could all see with aspirations.. sorry getting sappy...how bout them kinney shoes..🤔 love all u that know 🤟🌝
It is pretty well-kept; it only just started looking like this in the last year or two; even within the last five years it was still busy and pretty well occupied, albeit more by local retailers and the like. It's kind of jarring having been there only maybe 3 or 4 years ago just how empty it is now.
I worked at that mall at the A And W restaurant that used to be there many years ago and loved the mall experience back then. Long past gone now. Sorry to see the state the mall is in now. A shell of it's former self.
I started going here in the late 70's - early 80's. When I was little, my Grandma always bought me toy soldiers at the K&B Toy Store. Every Christmas, we used to do one big shopping excursion, always hitting Britches Great Outdoors and lunch at the A&W. As an adult, I was a manager at Ruby Tuesday's and was involved with the move across the hall to the "new" location. It was a great mall!
I started work nearby this location and I visit whenever Bath and Body Works has a sale. I did some research into this mall a few years ago. Although the flagship stores closed, they still own parts of the land that the mall is built on. So no matter who 'owns' the space, they can't do anything unless those flagships (joint owners) sell their stake. It's unfortunate because this property could really be put to income generating usage. This randomly popped up in my feed and I'm glad I clicked! I'll be following this series.
I don't know why but everytime I watch a dead mall video and other dead mall creators are mentioned it just makes me smile. Especially when someone says they are friends!
Thanks for covering. This was my childhood mall as my mom would loved going to the Hects and Lord & Taylor. I remember the sunk in pit where they’d have all the kid events like Santa,etc. Glad to see those cool statues still around but man its sucks seein it on its last leg like this. Also we lived North of Gaithersburg but never went to Frederick. For us the next closest nice mall we’d go to was White Flint Mall which was razed minus the last standing Lord&Taylor on its way out.
I used to go there in the late 80s with my family when I was a kid. The seating areas used to have pink cushions. There used to be a Guess store on the upper level. I think there was a Benneton store there then but I can't remember for sure. Thanks for the video - brings back memories.
This makes me so, so very sad! I grew up in this mall, it was the only one my parents would drive to, despite Wheaton being closer and Montgomery an equal distance. We used to take the back route over the train tracks, over that insanely steep bridge, and through the apartment areas. This was where we bought back to school clothes, went to Claire's & Limited Too, and later Hottopic and Game Stop. I used to know this mall like the back of my hand. So many memories from that food court. I knew it was headed into decline, but I had no idea it as this bad 😱 I'll miss this place 😪💔
Lakeforest Mall looks strangely similar to Fair Oaks Mall before it was renovated. I'm glad to see that this mall used the same architectural design as Fair Oaks Mall. I miss the way the inground planters and continuous tiles look. Thanks for visiting this mall and bringing back the nostalgic memories I had at Fair Oaks Mall.
I had no idea Lakeforest Mall was going down hill until I went out to that part of Maryland this past summer. That used to be the spot back in the 90s! It looks a lot like Fair Oaks mall--presuming they have same designer.
I went to this mall my entire life. I'm 19 years old and have been going to this mall for all of them. This is my mall. And seeing it die over the years although was hard to watch at some points, I'm happy I was able to experience it. That mall gave me a lot of my memories, even when I was just a kid playing around in the play area they used to have. It may hurt to see it go, like saying bye to an old friend, but I'll always remember it as an important piece of my life
I've been in Gaithersburg most of the last 25 years. We've seen a lot of change and we hope for good to come of any passing establishment. Lake Forest will be missed.
I grew up within walking distance to Lakeforest Mall. Worked at Herman's World of Sporting Good and the ice rink in high school in the early 80's. I remember when the mall was being built and was there for opening day. The ice rink was very popular in the beginning, but like all things in entertainment, bigger and better things happen. The demographics of the area started to change, there was a huge indoor soccer plex built down the street and so on. The numbers went down and I guess it became too expensive to operate. Fridays and Saturdays were the rinks big draw. Lessons and such during the day and free skate at night.
I learned to play hockey at that ice rink. They turned it into a movie theater, that failed so they made it a food court, that failed and may become an ice rink again
I used to work at the Rio in Gburg when there was a wooden skating rink before it turned into a movie theater in the late 90s. What exactly is this indoor soccer plex u speak of?
@@tnasr3254 the soccer plex is in germantown (south germantown regional park) many soccer fields, indoor and outdoor. Plus a swim center and tennis domes.
As a longtime resident in Gaithersburg, MD, it’s astounding the amount of time between my childhood being at Lakeforest to its now decaying building. Have used to get haircuts from there, but no longer. Such a shame to see this place what it is.
Eeeeyy!! You went to my hometown mall!! I grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland.. I’ve been going to this mall since late 80’s. Totally remembered it has being very packed all year around. Definitely going to miss it when it closes.......
I went to Gaithersburg High School and I still live in the area but I graduated in 83 and worked in the mall for two years so nice small them but it's pretty empty now and they're going to develop the property to put houses on
I live near here and only will go go the mall because my eye doctor is still here. I remember not being able to find a parking spot at the holidays and now it's just a sad, empty building.
Hello. This is Matthew. How have you been. Have a nice and merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I enjoy watching your videos from Midway Mall in Elyria Ohio to now in 2020. Enjoy your best work in 2021. It was so sad that malls that are dead and malls that were popular in 80s versus today.
I used to visit this candy shop and go to that tiny indoor park like every week. This was still early 2000s but it’s crazy to see how fast it really started to decline
ahh, i grew up in this mall. a little surprised to see a video about my teen hangout spot on my youtube home page! i worked at hot topic up until january of 2020 when we closed. i miss it so much :’)
Wow, that is so sad. I grew up in that mall in the 80s and early 90s. Going ice skating and then to A&W across the hall, going to the movies, having dinner at Spinakers. Working at Britches Great Outdoors. Since there was no food court at the time lunch consisted of a Mrs Fields cookie or a pretzel. Every tux rented for a special occasion came from there. Right at the base off that glass elevator used to be a nice fountain with a big amphitheater like seating area.
very informative i used go here as a kid with my parents this place used to be sooo packed then after my high school years when i had own car me and one other buddy would go visit here every now and then
LMFAO i didn’t think we’d ever get here. It’s so sad. I used to love going to lakeforest on weekends. They had good food. When they took out chick fil a i knew it was going down hill!
@@Rastradamus88 it’s so sad lol I live like 10-15 min away and I used to go there ALL the time. It’s honestly sad and I feel like my childhood got ripped from under me. I remember when they had the floor thing with the bubbles! I remember the fountain and all too. It seems like a distant memory now
Wow this is insane. Last I’ve been here was 2015 and it still had a fair amount of business going on but not like it did back in 2003. So many memories of hanging out here with my family and just window shopping.
I've been to this mall 2 times.The last time was April 2016 when the Sears was still there.The mall still had some life to it...It's quite sad and fascinating to see how fast things can change.
I remember being thrilled to go ice skating when that mall first opened. I also used to buy rock climbing equipment there at a store in the mid-1980's. I can't recall the name of the outdoor shop they had. So sad to see this. I've been in Alaska since 1989 and had no idea that this mall was so desolate now.
I worked at the ice rink for a couple years in my late teens and early 20s as a rink guard group lessons teacher, I trained as a figure skater there and skated with The Limited Edition skating team created there by Doughie Marie Kirk. It was the first mixed gender multi age precision skating team in the country. The ice rink was at the back of the mall where the food court is now. It was vibrantly decorated in bright modern colors and rich materials unlike most rinks of that time. The rink had a vibrant figure skating and ice hockey community and great teachers and staff and was loved by the entire community. It had crowded general sessions all year. I had the honor of playing the Icy Penguin rink mascot for many events. The rink was owned by the same folks as the Fairfax Ice Arena and was one of the first year round ice rinks in MD. I believe it began failing when other year round rinks opened in the area and were built in parks and had less expenses. The mall was a wonderful place in the late 70s and early 80s and Montgomery Village was one of the first planned self contained communities. It had a unique culture. It's sad how that area has devolved over the years. I have many fond memories of the Lakeforest Mall and ice rink.
I used to go to this mall all the time since it's only like 5 or 10 minutes from where I live. Back in the early 2010's before the pandemic started it was such a great mall. A few years before I understood it had its problems but as I continue to go to the mall this year, it's just as if not more depressing than in the video
Another thing I noticed. At the 8:23 Mark the view pans down the center escalator and the elevator. There was a depressed seating/stair area where the tile color changes. It had a water fountain in the area around the elevator.
Oh wow. I used to work across the street, I used to manage Montgomery Village Eye Center, I used to come here for lunch. Now I travel full time-currently in Vegas 🤩
I remember my friend working at the Starbucks kiosk there, and another at Zumies. This was back in 2015 when I finished highschool, it was dead back then too. Crazy to see it’s still open
Wow this brings me back to the 80's and 90's good memories. I use to work at JcPenny catalogue dept. I remember the food court and walking around and shopping this makes me feel a little sad. 😐😞
Omg I have not been to this mall in such a long time but this was my childhood mall and this is so crazy! And I literally remember walking across the street and then there was the mall! And I literally remember this one lady that worked at the Jcpenny and would always help!
Growing up I lived closer to Montgomery Mall, but I would make regular trips to Lakeforest in the 90's. Even though the writing has been on the wall for quite some time, it is still sad to see the places of my past in this state.
My family and I had some good times at this mall. The teen that lived nextdoor to me worked at the pretzel shop and he felt that he was the coolest when he slipped me a free pretzel. Thanks, Jamal. I thought you were pretty cool too
I love seeing what looks like T-Mobile helping this dead mall to have one store on the first floor and what looks like one on the second floor still sad to see all the closed stores though hopefully this mall can be brought back to life soon if it can!
I remember when malls like this were the place to be especially during holidays, they just don’t matter anymore even when some are renovated like the former gallery mall in downtown Philadelphia which is now fashion district Philadelphia. When you go in any mall anymore you get the feeling of oddness like it’s not special anymore even with modern stores and restaurants.
Damn I remember the huge kids play area right in the middle of the mall that I used to love to go on when I was a little kid
my son broke his arm jumping off of one of the frogs in that "frog land" play area. He was 5years old
Omg I remember that too. I loved that place
That was the best as a kid. With the giant frogs and logs 😔 I miss that.
Same
Bruh i have very fun memories there dud hated when they removed it
This is a sad one to watch. We all knew it would happen but it’s still sad. I grew up in this mall. Worked in this mall. Chilled in this mall. It was “Our Mall” those of us that couldn’t afford Montgomery of course and back then only went to Frederick for the Under 21 club. Love it. But it’s time for it to finally go instead of sulking around for longer.
😔
So do I this used to have everything...movie theatre etc. brings back old memories when the mall was the hang out spot 😔
Yess
I grew up in Gaithersburg, so this was OUR mall. It went through a zillion changes from the time I was 4 years old to my late 20s. The food court used to be a movie theater when I was a little kid. There used to be a ton of restaurants; at different times, an A&W restaurant, a Chi-Chi's, a Red Robin, and a Ruby Tuesday. When I was a kid, it had a Disney store, a KB Toys, FYE, Suncoast, a Children's Place, and a Cartoon Cuts. When I got older, there was still Game Stop, Hot Topic, and Bath & Body Works (I even used to WORK there). God, it's hard to believe it's essentially gone now.
I miss the Chi-Chi’s there!
I remember when this mall was jumpin' back in the 1990s. There used to be a fancy fountain in the middle. Of course that's gone now.
It was almost a kid play section in the middle back in the early 90s, me and my sister would along with others, memories of lots of diffrent fountains and coins almost like a wishing well too, Mrs Fields cookies before leaving 2nd floor right before escalator oh the memories been there 30+ times as a kid with mom you can see the outline still of where things where by the elevator and that area had like almost stadium like seating facing the elevator
mybrainmeatshurt I remember that too!
Forgot about it haha thanks for reminding me
The Eddie Bauer store is we’re I got my parka
So cool you came to Gaithersburg, were a pretty small but diverse community (:
Yup..
I've lived there before and its a pretty big community
@@JosephSneep yes I agree
the most diverse city in the US
It was such a great mall back in the 90s
Everyone hates going there now
It was great in the 90’s. Then gang activity moved into that area and took over the mall. I’ve had multiple friends who’s cars were stolen in broad daylight back in like 2010
@@caitlinb3236 Yea and the lakeforest bus stop on food court side is a mess. Alot of shadiness by the food court.
@@caitlinb3236 Diversity is our strength.
Yeah I left Montgomery County in 2003 and I've been in New York sense so I'm kind of drop jawl to see the Mall I'm pretty sure when I swing over to Frederick County to visit my mom's side of the family Frederick County mall is gone I grew up in Frederick and Montgomery County between my mother and father side so I'm so used to going to these malls as a child late 80s early 90s I see a lot has changed I maybe need to come back home for a visit this is kind of sad it's like childhood memories gone
This mall was my childhood
I believe at 4:58 was where macy's was, My mom used to love going there all the time
I remember I would beg my parents to but Aunt annies pretzels
I moved out of Gaithersburg in 2018 and somewhere around 2020 we went back to this mall and found out about the news
Graduated from Gaithersburg High School. This was where so many memories were made. Sad.😢
Pra que manter um shopping assim aberto? Bizarro demais.
Também tô aqui por conta da história da mulher da casa abandonada!
Remember skateboarding there in the 80s after school, ashtrays in the lounge areas and of course an arcade.
I grew up skating there with my homies that was only 10 years ago I'm 23 now , brings back crazy memories
I loved going to the arcade in Springfield mall--it stayed packed!
Do you remember the skate shop Extreme Edge? Later on it became Mr.Rags
@@ShreddieMercury There was a skate shop upstairs, yes. It competed with Alleycat in Montgomery Village, where I lived.
it could have been called Thrashers if memory serves...
When you have a boost mobile in a mall you know it’s the end.
Isn’t that the truth.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
😆😆😆
Funny but true
haaaaaaaa. This is facts
I spent so many hours inside that mall prior to the pandemic. I'm so sorry to see it in this state!
It was my home away from my apartment in Germantown!
Worked at the sears that closed down, this mall has been dying for over 10 years.
I feel like the “crime level” and “gang activity” is overblown to why this mall lost its foot crowd. Most of the money started flowing into areas like Washingtonian Boulevards Rio entertainment center and the newer Crown Plaza, which is around the time Lakeforest started failing. I grew up in Montgomery village, but my moms business and my schools growing up were in Gaithersburg, so I’m not blind nor saying there was no crime, but it wasn’t as prevalent as ppl are making it out to be in the comments.
Baby mostly all malls look that way now. I don't think crime is the reason. Shopping online is the real reason.
As someone who currently lives in the Crown area, I totally agree. Rio/Washingtonian seems to be doing fairly well considering the pandemic (minus the AMC), but then again it's a more modern open-air layout rather than a mall.
@@sadboi6946 plus it has a movie theater, the lake, and actual restaurants so u can hang out there even if the shops aren’t interesting
So far this year, violent gang-related crime in Montgomery County has increased by 72 percent overall when compared to the same six-month reporting period last year, police officials reportedMonday.
From January through June, police reported a 36 percent increase in gang-related robberies, a 43 percent increase in gang-related assaults and an overall increase in gang-related weapons offense charges.
That was an article from 2018. Probably doubled since then. Stay safe.
Wow finally got to see my old hometown mall on here thank you so much for doing this. I got into dead malls about 6 years ago when I had to do it for a speech class. The first mall I did was the Frederick Towne Mall. So crazy to see these Mecca’s no longer inhabited by kids and families. I went to this mall about a year ago and took some photos and videos and was amazed by the state it was in. Where the video begins to the left (his right) used to be Chi-Chi’s and I was able to get some photos and video of what it looks like inside now. That restaurant has been gone from that area for at least 25+ years and it hasn’t been touched.
I lived a whole life in this mall. Kills me to see it like this, but at least we have the memories. Surprised they didn't put out the Christmas stuff. Anyone remember Teddy the Talking Bear?
I remember Teddy! My kids loved seeing and talking to him!!
Dude I remember!!!!!!
I used to practically live at this mall as a kid of the 80’s and 90’s. My mother was on the Gaithersburg planning commission back in the 70’s and witnessed it from concept to completion, and unfortunately she will have to see it’s destruction...
Lakeforest Mall was a very special place. I vividly remember the excitement of going into Kay Bee Toy store on the upper level, to the left of Sears. And of course, buying all of my video games at Babbage’s on the upper floor of the J.C. Penney wing. I remember seeing Batman at the movie theater here on opening night in the summer of 1989. I think it was one of the only movies to sell out at this theater, to my knowledge, but this was before Rio was even built. I spent so many quarters at Champions arcade next to the movie theater in the 90’s.
So many memories, but unfortunately so few photographs or other documents pre-2000 about the mall, except for photos of the mall’s construction and the opening ceremony. I wish someone had video footage and photographs from the early era.
That was my FAVORITE thing about coming to this mall, coming to the Kay Bee toys :). Was going all the way until it closed in 2007.
You nailed it.
The local news stations might have some footage (grand opening, holiday crunches, etc.), but they're probably not easily accessible.
I bought the famous John Riggins Super Bowl XVII photograph at The Proper Framework while working at Hecht's - it still hangs in my office today.
I grew up in Frederick and remember coming here once and every 2-3 months as a kid. I used to love this place. It's sad to see it become the relic it has.
oh my god!!!!!!!!!! the KB Toys!!!!!! that was still there in the late 90s/early-mid 00s when i was a kid!!!!! then i moved away out-of-state and that was the last i ever saw of it. was gone by the next time i was able to visit
This was my mall growing up. It's crazy seeing how empty it is now. Even the arcade moved out it's Time Crisis cabinet. And the Grill Kabab is closed! That place had great gyros, too sad.
Montgomery Mall has a Grill Kabob
Yeah! I wasted alot of time and quarters at the Arcade even after my parents have bought me a SNES.
Sad to see but times change. In the mid 80's I worked at Sunshine House Surf Shop for 3 years. Early 90's I worked at Natural Wonders. After that mall security. I know every back hallway, electrical room, corridor, and roof ladder. So many memories at this mall...movies watched, ice skating, Vittorios pizza, Mrs Fields cookies, Vie de France, Ruby Tuesdays, Spinnakers, browsing records at Sam Goody, skating in the back halls to the loading dock, standing in line overnight to get concert tickets at Hechts, watching the Gaithersburg fireworks on the mall roof, and a million more. I'll always have great memories in this mall.
Time goes by, and memories are all we have at the end.
I am Brazilian, born and raised. We have malls (that we call shopping) and they look exactly the same when compared with US malls. So I feel this nostalgia and sadness.
Lakeforest Mall = my childhood. ♥
I grew up there. We went every Saturday to ice skate. I have great childhood memories skating and watching compositions there Moved away in 1980. Sad to hear its decline.
Cheers Lakeforest. You had a good run. Hopefully it will be repurposed into some cool structure. I used to buy my tires at Sears all the time.
Love the sculptures and those gorgeous skylights. Beautiful mall.
I went to this mall, like, eight years ago, and was astonished at how drab and dead it was. Kind of surprised it's still there.
Great video! Glad to see others doing vids on Lakeforest. When I did my research for my vid, I saw some only bits and pieces on Lake Walker's sacrifice, no mention of the bumper stickers and petitions in any of the local history books. Always glad to see more and more history being added to this topic.
Thanks for all your vids, and appreciation for those of us who knew what the good times were...cheers🙂
Thank You!
@@AcesAdventures1 I did k what it is, but this time of year, and your love of the nostalgia mall life, it reminds me and all those that remember those good times that kids will never understand how that period in time shaped where we are now. Thanks for reminding those of us who who were young and naive enough to think s dream was possible, just a quarter at a time away from hope,the future, one we could all see with aspirations.. sorry getting sappy...how bout them kinney shoes..🤔 love all u that know 🤟🌝
Man, that's really to bad, it looks like such a modern well kept building. :-(
It is just the stores left it was always clean still is with the little stores left
Wow to call this modern .... This is like the 80s in the netherlands :O
It is pretty well-kept; it only just started looking like this in the last year or two; even within the last five years it was still busy and pretty well occupied, albeit more by local retailers and the like. It's kind of jarring having been there only maybe 3 or 4 years ago just how empty it is now.
My second and third jobs were here in 1985 and 86. Wild. Thanks for this run through.
During middle school (late 90s) and high school ( early 00s) this mall was the SPOT!!! It went down around 2009
Vim pelo podcast " A mulher da Casa abandonada". Quem mais??
☝
Turn these dead malls into housing for people. add a grocery store at one of the old anchor locations, a gym at the other. that would be bad ass.
Expecially in moco. The housing crisis there is terrible
That’s what they’re doing to this one
@@ghostscript2044 Are they actually repurposing the mall itself, or are they planning to tear it down and Rockville Town Center it or Kentlands it?
@@fanboy50 or laurel town center
Very sad, I remember when you couldn’t even find a place to sit in the food court.
I worked at that mall at the A And W restaurant that used to be there many years ago and loved the mall experience back then. Long past gone now. Sorry to see the state the mall is in now. A shell of it's former self.
God, this mall is amazing! Thanks for documenting it.👍🏻
I started going here in the late 70's - early 80's. When I was little, my Grandma always bought me toy soldiers at the K&B Toy Store. Every Christmas, we used to do one big shopping excursion, always hitting Britches Great Outdoors and lunch at the A&W. As an adult, I was a manager at Ruby Tuesday's and was involved with the move across the hall to the "new" location. It was a great mall!
I started work nearby this location and I visit whenever Bath and Body Works has a sale. I did some research into this mall a few years ago. Although the flagship stores closed, they still own parts of the land that the mall is built on. So no matter who 'owns' the space, they can't do anything unless those flagships (joint owners) sell their stake. It's unfortunate because this property could really be put to income generating usage. This randomly popped up in my feed and I'm glad I clicked! I'll be following this series.
They are constructing apartments, townhouses there. Seen the photo of the construction by the food court area the other day.
They can still redevelop the other parts of the property. And they are.
I don't know why but everytime I watch a dead mall video and other dead mall creators are mentioned it just makes me smile. Especially when someone says they are friends!
That opening was beautiful! The music's great, too. So dreamny...
Thanks for covering. This was my childhood mall as my mom would loved going to the Hects and Lord & Taylor. I remember the sunk in pit where they’d have all the kid events like Santa,etc. Glad to see those cool statues still around but man its sucks seein it on its last leg like this.
Also we lived North of Gaithersburg but never went to Frederick. For us the next closest nice mall we’d go to was White Flint Mall which was razed minus the last standing Lord&Taylor on its way out.
I went to Gaithersburg middle class of 95 wit Joe Rock!!!
I used to go there in the late 80s with my family when I was a kid. The seating areas used to have pink cushions. There used to be a Guess store on the upper level. I think there was a Benneton store there then but I can't remember for sure. Thanks for the video - brings back memories.
This makes me so, so very sad! I grew up in this mall, it was the only one my parents would drive to, despite Wheaton being closer and Montgomery an equal distance. We used to take the back route over the train tracks, over that insanely steep bridge, and through the apartment areas. This was where we bought back to school clothes, went to Claire's & Limited Too, and later Hottopic and Game Stop. I used to know this mall like the back of my hand. So many memories from that food court. I knew it was headed into decline, but I had no idea it as this bad 😱 I'll miss this place 😪💔
Lakeforest Mall looks strangely similar to Fair Oaks Mall before it was renovated. I'm glad to see that this mall used the same architectural design as Fair Oaks Mall. I miss the way the inground planters and continuous tiles look. Thanks for visiting this mall and bringing back the nostalgic memories I had at Fair Oaks Mall.
I agree this is so much like fair oaks!
Both malls were developed by the same company (Taubman Centers I believe), and were built around the same time
I thought it resembled Fairlane, Twelve Oaks, and Lakeside malls in Michigan but not surprising, all Taubman centers had a similar design.
White Marsh mall in baltimore county was very similar as well.
Great job and very interesting...spent a good chunk of my life in its environs..
Dead malls are hauntingly beautiful
I had no idea Lakeforest Mall was going down hill until I went out to that part of Maryland this past summer. That used to be the spot back in the 90s! It looks a lot like Fair Oaks mall--presuming they have same designer.
Awesome video as always brother and thank you for the shout-out!
You should do the Wheaton mall cause it feels like it’s slowly declining
Really? Thats sad. I use to love going there back in the day. Its been years.
@@m.b.4551 yea they open stores for a few months then close it and repeat and they never add any interesting stores that people actually like
Isn’t the Wheaton mall fairly new? I’ve never been but I remember it was big news like 7 years ago
It’s 60 years old and people barley go there only it didn’t seem busy during Christmas season
I always forget Wheaton actually has a mall lmao
I went to this mall my entire life. I'm 19 years old and have been going to this mall for all of them. This is my mall. And seeing it die over the years although was hard to watch at some points, I'm happy I was able to experience it. That mall gave me a lot of my memories, even when I was just a kid playing around in the play area they used to have. It may hurt to see it go, like saying bye to an old friend, but I'll always remember it as an important piece of my life
I've been in Gaithersburg most of the last 25 years. We've seen a lot of change and we hope for good to come of any passing establishment. Lake Forest will be missed.
I grew up within walking distance to Lakeforest Mall. Worked at Herman's World of Sporting Good and the ice rink in high school in the early 80's. I remember when the mall was being built and was there for opening day. The ice rink was very popular in the beginning, but like all things in entertainment, bigger and better things happen. The demographics of the area started to change, there was a huge indoor soccer plex built down the street and so on. The numbers went down and I guess it became too expensive to operate. Fridays and Saturdays were the rinks big draw. Lessons and such during the day and free skate at night.
I learned to play hockey at that ice rink. They turned it into a movie theater, that failed so they made it a food court, that failed and may become an ice rink again
I used to work at the Rio in Gburg when there was a wooden skating rink before it turned into a movie theater in the late 90s. What exactly is this indoor soccer plex u speak of?
@@tnasr3254 the soccer plex is in germantown (south germantown regional park) many soccer fields, indoor and outdoor. Plus a swim center and tennis domes.
I forgot all about herman’s. It was my favorite part of going there as a kid
That sad view of the Food Court says it all! Great job sir!
So sad! I spent an insane amount of time there as a teen. Worked at County Seat too. So many wonderful memories.
As a longtime resident in Gaithersburg, MD, it’s astounding the amount of time between my childhood being at Lakeforest to its now decaying building. Have used to get haircuts from there, but no longer. Such a shame to see this place what it is.
Its really started going downhill after like 2014-2015.
Facts after ms 13 started coming in and the crime went up I lived in cider mill for a while...where u stay out here
Eeeeyy!! You went to my hometown mall!! I grew up in Gaithersburg Maryland.. I’ve been going to this mall since late 80’s. Totally remembered it has being very packed all year around. Definitely going to miss it when it closes.......
I went to Gaithersburg High School and I still live in the area but I graduated in 83 and worked in the mall for two years so nice small them but it's pretty empty now and they're going to develop the property to put houses on
I live near here and only will go go the mall because my eye doctor is still here. I remember not being able to find a parking spot at the holidays and now it's just a sad, empty building.
I remember going to this mall when I was younger. So many memories.
I used to work at the Jerry’s that was there on the first floor!
used to eat there all the time
I remember the Long John Silver's.
Yes, Jerry's had GREAT pizza (large pepperoni for $5), amazing fries (thick and served in a large cup/bucket) and Birch Beer!
Hello. This is Matthew. How have you been. Have a nice and merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I enjoy watching your videos from Midway Mall in Elyria Ohio to now in 2020. Enjoy your best work in 2021. It was so sad that malls that are dead and malls that were popular in 80s versus today.
I used to visit this candy shop and go to that tiny indoor park like every week. This was still early 2000s but it’s crazy to see how fast it really started to decline
ahh, i grew up in this mall. a little surprised to see a video about my teen hangout spot on my youtube home page! i worked at hot topic up until january of 2020 when we closed. i miss it so much :’)
For its age, it looks better than its modern peers.
Great intro graphics with neon, triangles and the Duett track. Also kudos on the rewind ending, it was a great finishing touch!
Wow, that is so sad. I grew up in that mall in the 80s and early 90s. Going ice skating and then to A&W across the hall, going to the movies, having dinner at Spinakers. Working at Britches Great Outdoors. Since there was no food court at the time lunch consisted of a Mrs Fields cookie or a pretzel. Every tux rented for a special occasion came from there. Right at the base off that glass elevator used to be a nice fountain with a big amphitheater like seating area.
very informative i used go here as a kid with my parents this place used to be sooo packed then after my high school years when i had own car me and one other buddy would go visit here every now and then
LMFAO i didn’t think we’d ever get here. It’s so sad. I used to love going to lakeforest on weekends. They had good food. When they took out chick fil a i knew it was going down hill!
I used to live out there in 2017. They still had decent food lol i went back a few weeks ago and.....😳
@@Rastradamus88 it’s so sad lol I live like 10-15 min away and I used to go there ALL the time. It’s honestly sad and I feel like my childhood got ripped from under me. I remember when they had the floor thing with the bubbles! I remember the fountain and all too. It seems like a distant memory now
Chick is one of the restaurants that’s is very busy even with the pandemic.
@@EllieUchiha17 i didn’t see all of that but i was only out there for a year. I lived right directly next to the mall. Cider mill lol
I knew that there used to be a Chick Fil A in the food court. Wow.
You know a mall is dead when even the Auntie Annes has no customers.
@@sbot0410 wow yo I just saw a pic saying that they closed and I couldn't believe it 😭 this was the spot for Auntie Anne's 😔
Did you whatch sals video he did not like to eat the Angie Annie’s
what's sadder is i think that's where the cinnabon used to be a decade ago 😭😭😭
I REALLY MISS THAT MALL I SHOPPED THERE SINCE I WAS 3 YEARS OLD MEMORIES YOUR MAKING ME THINK OF MY MEMORIES!
Wow this is insane. Last I’ve been here was 2015 and it still had a fair amount of business going on but not like it did back in 2003. So many memories of hanging out here with my family and just window shopping.
I've been to this mall 2 times.The last time was April 2016 when the Sears was still there.The mall still had some life to it...It's quite sad and fascinating to see how fast things can change.
So many memories at that mall.... too many to even list 🔥🔥🔥
I remember being thrilled to go ice skating when that mall first opened. I also used to buy rock climbing equipment there at a store in the mid-1980's. I can't recall the name of the outdoor shop they had. So sad to see this. I've been in Alaska since 1989 and had no idea that this mall was so desolate now.
This mall will always have a special place in my heart. I'll always cherish the memories from childhood.
so sad. This is where i used to meet my friends back in middle school. lots of 90s memories.
I remember buying my first pair of Jordans at lake forest in 2004, it’s crazy seeing how dead it’s become.
I worked at the ice rink for a couple years in my late teens and early 20s as a rink guard group lessons teacher, I trained as a figure skater there and skated with The Limited Edition skating team created there by Doughie Marie Kirk. It was the first mixed gender multi age precision skating team in the country. The ice rink was at the back of the mall where the food court is now. It was vibrantly decorated in bright modern colors and rich materials unlike most rinks of that time. The rink had a vibrant figure skating and ice hockey community and great teachers and staff and was loved by the entire community. It had crowded general sessions all year. I had the honor of playing the Icy Penguin rink mascot for many events. The rink was owned by the same folks as the Fairfax Ice Arena and was one of the first year round ice rinks in MD. I believe it began failing when other year round rinks opened in the area and were built in parks and had less expenses.
The mall was a wonderful place in the late 70s and early 80s and Montgomery Village was one of the first planned self contained communities. It had a unique culture. It's sad how that area has devolved over the years.
I have many fond memories of the Lakeforest Mall and ice rink.
I used to go to this mall all the time since it's only like 5 or 10 minutes from where I live. Back in the early 2010's before the pandemic started it was such a great mall. A few years before I understood it had its problems but as I continue to go to the mall this year, it's just as if not more depressing than in the video
Looked like a really nice Mall,👍🏼
The very first mall I’ve been to when I moved to US in 2007. Used to be the best hangout spot, now going there makes me depressed.
Wheaton plaza, or white flint were the others..Wheaton got ghetto, and white flint got expensive. Lakeforest was in between.
Another thing I noticed. At the 8:23 Mark the view pans down the center escalator and the elevator. There was a depressed seating/stair area where the tile color changes. It had a water fountain in the area around the elevator.
Yeah the fountain was filled with coins. When they took it out the mall's charm was gone.
Oh wow. I used to work across the street, I used to manage Montgomery Village Eye Center, I used to come here for lunch. Now I travel full time-currently in Vegas 🤩
I remember my friend working at the Starbucks kiosk there, and another at Zumies. This was back in 2015 when I finished highschool, it was dead back then too. Crazy to see it’s still open
I got caught stealing from that Zumiez back in 9th grade 2013😂😂 not sure if i ever tried that again
Wow this brings me back to the 80's and 90's good memories. I use to work at JcPenny catalogue dept. I remember the food court and walking around and shopping this makes me feel a little sad. 😐😞
That new intro is amazing.
I was just there and my aunt was tell me how in the 80s she used to work there as a live Manikin and put on swim suits so it would attract customers
Wow, I moved from Gaithersburg in 2010 this was a fond childhood memory...
I remember working at Long John Silver when the mall was booming in the 90s. Definitely some good memories.
I used to work there at Natural Wonders store in the mid 1990's. I hope they keep the area of forest protected along Montgomery Village Avenue.
I worked there as well! From the day they opened until early 1993. Carol was store manager.
@@monkeyboypup I think I started at Natural Wonders in 1994. I remember people mentioning Carol as a great upbeat manager - but I never met her.
Omg I have not been to this mall in such a long time but this was my childhood mall and this is so crazy! And I literally remember walking across the street and then there was the mall! And I literally remember this one lady that worked at the Jcpenny and would always help!
Growing up I lived closer to Montgomery Mall, but I would make regular trips to Lakeforest in the 90's. Even though the writing has been on the wall for quite some time, it is still sad to see the places of my past in this state.
That "Hakky" place has been there since Day #1. I think they removed the ice rink because it was leaking water.
I really enjoyed this video and I cannot get over how that mall Is dead ringer for Marley station mall inside
Yep same developer. The sunken seating area gives it away!
Taubman designed both this one and Marley Station, indeed. Lake Forest(or is it Lakeforest?) opened in 1978, and Marley Station in 1987.
My family and I had some good times at this mall. The teen that lived nextdoor to me worked at the pretzel shop and he felt that he was the coolest when he slipped me a free pretzel. Thanks, Jamal. I thought you were pretty cool too
The Chinese New Years and holidays were lit! Nostalgia for sure man, especially as a child and immigrant. Toys! And everything
I love seeing what looks like T-Mobile helping this dead mall to have one store on the first floor and what looks like one on the second floor still sad to see all the closed stores though hopefully this mall can be brought back to life soon if it can!
Bruh this place. Takes me back
I remember when malls like this were the place to be especially during holidays, they just don’t matter anymore even when some are renovated like the former gallery mall in downtown Philadelphia which is now fashion district Philadelphia. When you go in any mall anymore you get the feeling of oddness like it’s not special anymore even with modern stores and restaurants.
I've moved from Montgomery County, MD to Montgomery County, PA. I found The Gallery in Philly very similar to Lakeforest mall
I remember one I was younger going there for Christmas and all the cool stuff they had 😞😌 fun times
This was my childhood mall i miss the glory days. Dont forget fsk mall open the same year
I love your work. It would be really cool if a company did 3d scans of these dead malls to preserve them digitally.